Dan Coats: “I rise today to discuss the issue of national security leaks. A few weeks ago, the world learned that U.S. intelligence…”

“I rise today to discuss the issue of national security leaks. A few weeks ago, the world learned that U.S. intelligence agencies and partners disrupted an al-Qaida plot to blow up a civilian aircraft. We are all very familiar with the success of this effort, and we applaud those involved in preventing a truly horrific terrorist attack. However, my concern today, and has been since that time, is that the public has become too familiar with this successful operation. Specifically, due to an intelligence leak, the world learned of highly sensitive information, sources, and methods that enabled the United States and its allies to prevent al-Qaida from striking again. This irresponsible leak jeopardizes future operations and future cooperation with valuable sources and intelligence partners overseas. The release of this information--intentional or not--puts American lives at risk as well as the lives of those who helped us in this operation. Unfortunately, this is not the only recent leak to occur. As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, I am deeply concerned about a troubling rash of leaks exposing classified intelligence information that has come out in the last several weeks. This paints a disturbing picture of this administration's judgment when it comes to national security.…”