[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 18, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S10835]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   INTELLIGENCE REAUTHORIZATION BILL

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I rise in support of S. 1718, the 
intelligence reauthorization bill, with the understanding that one 
inequity contained in the bill will be corrected in conference.
  The bill in its current form contains what I believe is an 
inappropriate encroachment on the authority of the Federal Bureau of 
Investigation to staff its position of Assistant Director, National 
Security Division.
  The current bill requires that the FBI consult with the DCI prior to 
this appointment. The FBI, like any other agency, should be vested with 
the sound discretion to fill its ranks in a manner that is not burdened 
by outside Agency influence. I perceive this proposed requirement as an 
infringement by the foreign intelligence community upon domestic law 
enforcement.
  I recognize that, with respect to the FBI's National Security 
Division, there is some overlap between intelligence and law 
enforcement, but that alone does not justify the necessity of this 
measure. Let's not place an unnecessary check upon the FBI by imposing 
this additional requirement.
  Remember, it was the National Security Division which, 
notwithstanding bureaucratic hostility within the CIA, vigorously 
pursued the Aldrich Ames case. How zealous will future NSD higher ups 
be if they feel their career may turn on CIA approval?
  I urge each of you to support language which we have negotiated with 
the Intelligence Committee and the administration, which deletes the 
requirement that the FBI Director consult with the DCI prior to the 
appointment of its Assistant Director, National Security Division.
  Replacing this requirement is a provision whereby the FBI Director 
notifies the DCI of its selection to this vital position. The DCI may 
then, but is not required, to consult with the FBI Director concerning 
the selection.
  It is my belief that this provision more clearly recognizes the 
separate and distinct missions, as well as the differing standards by 
which the intelligence and law enforcement communities must operate. I 
urge each of my colleagues to endorse this proposed change.

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