House clears intelligence authorization

The House on Tuesday cleared legislation to the president to authorize intelligence programs through fiscal 2015. 

Passed by voice vote, the bill would authorize spending for the CIA, Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), National Security Agency and Defense Intelligence Agency (DNI). Funding levels authorized by the bill are classified.

{mosads}”We must ensure that our intelligence agencies spend money only on programs of which Congress is informed and approved. This bill does that,” said Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.), the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee.

The House passed its original version of the intelligence authorization on May 30 by a vote of 345-59. 

Less than two weeks ago, the Senate passed its version by voice vote.

Provisions in the Senate bill that were not in the House version include expressly allowing members of the intelligence community to report concerns to their respective agency inspector general before reporting to Congress. Another provision in the Senate bill would require Senate confirmation of the National Security Agency director as well as the National Reconnaissance Office director and inspector general.