Cord Byrd: “In 2001, we witnessed the failure of our Government to utilize its intelligence capabilities to protect our Nation…”

“In 2001, we witnessed the failure of our Government to utilize its intelligence capabilities to protect our Nation against a terrorist attack. For too long, the Congress has deferred to the executive branch on intelligence matters. Congress has failed to vigorously discharge its constitutional oversight responsibilities. The 9/11 Commission illustrated the dangers of this practice. The consequence has been foreign policy failures, prison scandals, politicized intelligence that has led not only to a desperate state of affairs in Iraq but has also left our Nation vulnerable to further terrorist attacks. It is painfully clear that there are dire consequences when the Congress abdicates its constitutional duties to oversee the intelligence agencies within the executive branch. Senators must have access to good intelligence to make informed decisions about our military, about our foreign policy, about the solemn charge to authorize war, and that remains a constitutional function, authorization of war.”