Dianne Feinstein: “there are some who may disagree with the proposition at the heart of Senator Reid's amendment; that is, that U.S.…”

“there are some who may disagree with the proposition at the heart of Senator Reid's amendment; that is, that U.S. Government officials who violate the laws governing safeguarding sources should not be permitted to have continued access to that information. I happen to agree with that. I happen to think it is a fair point to discuss. As the Senator from Connecticut said, it is appropriate for this discussion. In fact, there is a document that every employee signs. It is entitled ``Department of Defense Secrecy Agreement.'' The second part of it reads: I agree that I will never divulge, publish or reveal, either by word, conduct, or by any other means, any classified information, intelligence, or knowledge, except in the performance of my official duties and in accordance with the laws of the United States, unless specifically authorized in writing in each case by the Secretary of Defense. It is my understanding Senators do not sign it, Members of Congress do not sign it, but members of the administration and staff do sign this document. All the Reid amendment does, essentially, is codify what has been carried out informally by regulation. The second-degree amendment is not fair or honorable. It is clearly designed to threaten a Member's unquestionably lawful conduct. It is venal. I believe it is unprecedented. We have asked the historian of the Senate if this has ever been done before. He said, no, never in the Senate.…”