It is essential, given the threats that we face today, that we are all in dealing with this issue.

Do you have any reason to question the appropriateness of the investigations? No.

I am aware of the investigations that are underway both by the House and the Senate, now special counsel.

My role and the role of the Director of National Intelligence is to provide intelligence information relevant to policymakers.

Oh, I think that is something we certainly should do.

Well, it would be pure speculation. I don't--I couldn't read--I wasn't able to read the President's mind then and I don't think I can read it now.

I think making this as transparent as possible, not only to our own public, but throughout democratic nations that are facing this threat.

It's clear that we have assessed this as a very significant, potentially existential, threat to the United States that has to be addressed.

China we've seen continues to use an aggressive campaign to vacuum up advanced U.S. technology however and whenever it can, whether stealing it through cyber or buying it on the open market.

Clearly, we are in a situation--we're not in a passive situation from a world threats standpoint.

I do think it's at least worth discussion relative to the situation that might occur where we might have to, hopefully with some special authority, might have to go outside that.