On the recordAugust 5, 2010
as a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, I voted in support of the confirmation of General Clapper to be Director of National Intelligence. He is clearly qualified for the position and his extensive experience at various intelligence agencies and at the Pentagon should give him a clear sense of the challenges ahead. Over the course of the confirmation process, General Clapper provided encouraging responses on a number of issues. He expressed clear support for the declassification of the top-line intelligence budget, which would allow for the establishment of a separate intelligence budget. This reform, which was recommended by the 9/11 Commission and passed by the Senate, would improve transparency, accountability and oversight. He also agreed with the principle that the public should be made aware of secret interpretations of law. Finally, in a welcome shift from the previous DNI, General Clapper expressed openness to recommendations provided by an independent commission related to the integration of the intelligence community and those in the U.S. Government who collect information openly. Legislation to create this commission has also passed the Senate. On other issues, General Clapper's responses were less encouraging. He indicated that he would be a 'zealous advocate' for full notification of the committee, and I have no reason to doubt that.
