T2 B5 Intel Authorization Bills Fdr- Memo- Draft Questions For The Second Panel 5-22-03 Hearing 604

TO: FROM: DATE: RE:

Chris, Al, and Stephanie Kevin and Gordon May 14, 2003 Questions for the Second Panel of the May 22, 2003 Hearing

For your review, attached is a one-page document containing draft questions for the Congressional Oversight panel. We have endeavored to keep the document to one page, so please let us know if think that the questions are truncated. We do not intend to draft questions for the first (Congressional Sponsors) and third (Impact of 911 on Constituents) panels unless you request otherwise. We are sending a soft-copy to you as well. We look forward to your comments. Thank you.

Hearing of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States Panel 2: Intelligence Oversight and the Joint Inquiry May 22, 2003 This panel focuses on Congressional oversight of the Intelligence Community and the Joint Inquiry's investigation of the Intelligence Community's performance prior to the September llth attacks. The panel consists of current and former leaders of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI). Set forth below are questions that (1) cover several of the major challenges facing Congress in conducting oversight of intelligence, and (2) solicit recommendations for areas for the Commission's investigation that build upon the Joint Inquiry's findings. 1.

Building On The Joint Inquiry. Given the Joint Inquiry's investigation of the Intelligence Community, what areas concerning intelligence do you recommend that the Commission study? What lessons should the Commission learn from the Joint Inquiry's experience in examining the Intelligence Community?

2.

The Joint Inquiry's Call For A Director Of National Intelligence. What has been the public reaction to the Joint Inquiry's recommendation for creation of a Director of National Intelligence? How would a DNI interact with the Secretary of Defense?

3.

Questions For The Commission To Answer. As you know, the Commission is responsible for telling the story of the September 11th attacks and recommending ways to prevent future attacks. What do you think are the most important areas of analysis and the critical questions for the Commission?

4.

Effectiveness Of Congressional Oversight. What is the intelligence committees' role with respect to the U.S. Intelligence Community? Is the committees' original purpose - curtailing abuses - now superceded by other objectives such as improving the intelligence management and allocating resources? The classified annexes to the intelligence authorization and appropriations bills are now hundreds of pages; is this level of oversight appropriate or an unnecessary limit on the DCI's flexibility?

5.

The Intelligence Committees' Jurisdiction. The HPSCI has more expansive jurisdiction than the SSCI. How do the intelligence committees work with the Armed Services, Judiciary, and Appropriations Committees and the House Homeland Security Committee concerning intelligence oversight and resource allocation?

6.

The Intelligence Committees' Structure. Do the intelligence committees have sufficient resources to conduct oversight? How much time do Members dedicate to committee work, and does the rotation system affect oversight capability? What role do subcommittees play? Do the committees have staff of appropriate size, and how does the staff conduct its business?

7.

The Effect Of Secrecy On Congressional Oversight. How do the Executive Branch's security rules impact Congress's ability to conduct oversight of intelligence?