[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 71 (Monday, May 23, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E916]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 13, 2011

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, the first responsibility of all Members of 
Congress is to keep our country safe. Critical to fulfilling that 
obligation is providing members of the intelligence community with 
every resource they need to do their jobs.
  Today, with this Democratic amendment, we address this challenge 
head-on.
  I'd like to acknowledge the leadership of those who introduced this 
amendment: Congressman Nadler, Congresswoman Jackson Lee, and 
Congressman Ellison.
  I thank them for bringing to the floor legislation that: ensures that 
our top priority in funding our intelligence services is the campaign 
to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat Al Qaeda and affiliated 
organizations; honors the extraordinary courage, dedication, and 
sacrifice of the intelligence officers, analysts, and Navy SEALs who 
located, tracked, and killed Osama bin Laden; and commends the 
leadership of President Obama in carrying out this mission and 
recognizes the commitment of Presidents Clinton and Bush for advancing 
this fight. As it says, this action ``brought a measure of justice to 
the families of the victims of 9/11.''
  Strengthening our intelligence capabilities and establishing clear 
priorities are not partisan issues; they are critical to our national 
defense.
  That is why I urge Republicans to join Democrats to pass this motion 
and keep the pressure on those who attacked our shores nearly 10 years 
ago.

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