C. W. Bill Young: “I rise in support of H.R. 5020, the Intelligence Authorization Act for fiscal year 2007. In supporting this bill, I want…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 5020, the Intelligence Authorization Act for fiscal year 2007. In supporting this bill, I want to emphasize to Chairman Hoekstra that the Defense Appropriation Subcommittee will do what it can to work with the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence in the weeks and months ahead. We intend to follow through with a fiscal year 2007 Department of Defense Appropriations bill that supports the major areas of emphasis addressed in the authorization bill now before us. I intend to work closely with Chairman Hoekstra and the HPSCI to provide the funds necessary to strengthen U.S. intelligence collection and analysis, improve the technical means that support the Intelligence Community, and strengthen the organization of the Intelligence Community. I also stand ready to work with his Committee as we carefully scrutinize the fiscal year 2007 budget request to ensure that funding is used as effectively and as efficiently as possible to obtain the best return for the American taxpayer. While I support this measure, I must also advise that some areas of difference between the Authorization and Appropriations bills may arise. Of course, we intend to try to minimize any such issues. However, the committees have different institutional roles, responsibilities, and processes, and while I fully respect the role of the Chairman of the authorizing committee, I know he appreciates my role as well.…”