The Intelligence Committee is a select committee; it specializes in, and is responsible for, the oversight of intelligence activities and programs of the United States (GovTrack). Their prerogative is to ensure that the intelligence activities of the United States are within constitutional law. In order to execute and enforce this objective, they propose legislation and provide legislative oversight. Due to its importance, this committee is present in both the House and Senate (GovTrack). The primary focus of this research paper will be the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.
The origins of the Senate Intelligence Committee can be traced back to the Watergate Scandal (Senate.gov). It began in 1973 with the revelation that, “...the executive branch had directed national intelligence agencies to carry out constitutionally questionable domestic security operations.” A year later the news hit the mainstream media and accusations made that the CIA had been spying on anti-war activists. In light of national attention, lawmakers such as …show more content…
Unlike many other committees, the SSCI proportion does not change with the overall Senate ratio of minority to majority relationship. The one seat majority is intentional and intent to encourage bipartisan cooperation and ensure the nonpartisan nature of the intelligence community (intelligence.senate.gov). Some of the Senators that serve on this committee are Marco Rubio of Florida, Dianne Feinstein of California, and Tom Cotton of Arkansas. The current Chairman is Richard Burr of North Carolina and the Vice Chairman is Mark Warner of Virginia (intelligence.Senate.gov). Senator Burr, an openly vocal armed services advocate, has served five terms in the house and is serving his third term in the Senate; he is also a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee and the Finance Committee
The origins of the Senate Intelligence Committee can be traced back to the Watergate Scandal (Senate.gov). It began in 1973 with the revelation that, “...the executive branch had directed national intelligence agencies to carry out constitutionally questionable domestic security operations.” A year later the news hit the mainstream media and accusations made that the CIA had been spying on anti-war activists. In light of national attention, lawmakers such as …show more content…
Unlike many other committees, the SSCI proportion does not change with the overall Senate ratio of minority to majority relationship. The one seat majority is intentional and intent to encourage bipartisan cooperation and ensure the nonpartisan nature of the intelligence community (intelligence.senate.gov). Some of the Senators that serve on this committee are Marco Rubio of Florida, Dianne Feinstein of California, and Tom Cotton of Arkansas. The current Chairman is Richard Burr of North Carolina and the Vice Chairman is Mark Warner of Virginia (intelligence.Senate.gov). Senator Burr, an openly vocal armed services advocate, has served five terms in the house and is serving his third term in the Senate; he is also a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee and the Finance Committee