Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Intelligence Authorization Act for FY 2008, and I want to commend Chairman Reyes for his work.

This bill provides intelligence support to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and strengthens information-sharing among federal, state and local agencies. 
Most importantly, it enhances the full range of intelligence collection capabilities –tactical and strategic, near-term and long-term.

The United States relies heavily on satellites to gather intelligence.  Our intelligence agencies, working with industry, have developed extraordinary capabilities by building on proven technologies. 

To ensure we maintain our technological edge, this bill refocuses the Intelligence Community on EVOLVING satellite technologies while ensuring that our industrial base remains strong.

And because nothing beats having “eyes on the ground,” this bill strengthens human intelligence collection capabilities by adding funds for both CIA and military collectors to receive training in operational skills and critical foreign languages, while providing advanced technological tools that support intelligence collection.

This measure further strengthens intelligence analysis by investing in the people of the Intelligence Community. 

By establishing challenging career paths for intelligence professionals at FBI and DHS, it rewards good work and encourages America’s best and brightest to serve.

Many of these Americans, because of their personal backgrounds, possess a wealth of expertise on foreign cultures, societies, and languages.  But for the Intelligence Community to harness their potential, its staff must reflect the myriad experiences, talents and perspectives of the American people.

This bill takes important steps to enhance diversity in the Intelligence Community.  For example, it requires the DNI to implement a multi-level security clearance system to ensure that Americans who are ineligible for the highest clearances – because they have relatives overseas who cannot be investigated, for instance – can still offer expertise in other roles.

Mr. Chairman, this bill provides our intelligence agencies with the resources they need to address the most critical threats we face today – and those we are likely to face tomorrow.  I strongly support this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.  I yield back the balance of my time.