Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (AKA: The Intelligence Committee)

The Intelligence Committee in Congress, also known as the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI), is a committee responsible for overseeing the intelligence activities of the United States government. These committees play a vital role in ensuring that the intelligence community is working effectively and efficiently to protect the national security interests of the country.

In recent years, the Intelligence Committee has been involved in a number of high-profile investigations and activities. For example, the HPSCI conducted an investigation into the 2016 Russian election interference and the potential collusion between the Russian government and the Trump campaign. The SSCI also conducted a review of the intelligence community’s assessment of the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program.

The Intelligence Committee also plays a critical role in the authorization and funding of the intelligence budget. This includes reviewing and recommending changes to the budgets of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the National Security Agency (NSA), and other intelligence agencies. The committee also conducts regular oversight of the intelligence activities to ensure that they are in compliance with the law and properly protecting civil liberties.

In addition to their oversight responsibilities, the Intelligence Committee also plays a key role in the formation and implementation of intelligence policy. This includes advising the President and the National Security Council on intelligence matters, and working with the intelligence community to develop and implement strategies to address emerging national security threats.

In recent years, the Intelligence Committee has also been at the forefront of discussions around privacy and civil liberties in the context of intelligence gathering. With the rapid advancement of technology, the committee has been working to ensure that intelligence activities are conducted in a manner that protects privacy and civil liberties, while still effectively addressing national security threats.

Overall, the Intelligence Committee in Congress plays a vital role in ensuring that the intelligence community is working effectively and efficiently to protect the national security interests of the United States. Through its oversight, policy formulation, and funding responsibilities, the committee is a critical component of the US intelligence framework.