Dutch Ruppersberger: “The killing of Osama bin Laden was a great achievement for our intelligence professionals, who have been working to…”

“The killing of Osama bin Laden was a great achievement for our intelligence professionals, who have been working to eliminate this threat to our national security for years. Osama bin Laden was a terrorist leader who was responsible for killing thousands of innocent Americans, moms, dads, brothers, sisters, friends, and loved ones. As we all know, 9/11 changed America forever. On May 1, 2011, our military and intelligence professionals took extraordinary steps. People from the CIA, NSA, NGA, and elsewhere worked together as a team to get this job done. The mission was risky, but it was executed with great skill and precision. These professionals risked their lives to keep the country safe, and no Americans were lost. The men and women who carried out this operation exemplify the extraordinary courage of those who serve our Nation, including our special operations. The countless intelligence and counterterrorism professionals who have pursued bin Laden for years have the satisfaction of a job well done. I am glad we are able to honor those intelligence professionals in this Intelligence Authorization Act, including the military professionals. A grateful Nation thanks them for their service. I reserve the balance of my time. {time} 0920”