CIA Director Woolsey Argues Against Public Disclosure of Intelligence Budget

CIA Director James Woolsey testified before the House Select Committee on Intelligence, expressing concerns about public disclosure of the aggregate intelligence budget total. Woolsey stated that the administration's position is that the intelligence budget total should not be made public, citing several reasons including potential pressure to disclose details about specific programs, jeopardizing national security, and educating adversaries about U.S. plans and programs. This stance was countered by Rep. Dan Glickman (D-Kans.), committee chairman, who emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the face of today's security environment.

Key Takeaways:

• CIA Director James Woolsey argued against public disclosure of the aggregate intelligence budget total, citing concerns about potential national security risks.
• Woolsey believed that releasing the aggregate figure would lead to pressure to disclose details about specific programs, jeopardizing national security and protecting capabilities, programs, or missions.
• The CIA director also noted that public discussion of the budget could educate adversaries about U.S. plans and programs, including those of North Korea, Iran, Iraq, and terrorist groups.
• Rep. Dan Glickman (D-Kans.), committee chairman, countered Woolsey's argument, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in the face of today's security environment.
• Glickman stated that the administration's decision to keep the budget secret serves only one purpose: to prevent the American taxpayer from knowing how money is spent on intelligence.

Statistics:

• The estimated aggregate intelligence budget total is about $28 billion.
• The CIA has not revealed the actual aggregate intelligence figure.

Sources:

• "CIA Director Argues Against Public Disclosure of Budget Total" by The New York Times (exact reference not provided)
• "Woolsey Testifies on Intelligence Budget" by Los Angeles Times (exact reference not provided)
• "CIA Director Cites Secrecy in Testimony of Intelligence Budget" by CNN (exact reference not provided)