Pelosi Statement on House Passage of Intelligence Authorization Act

WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement tonight on the House passage of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010. The legislation, which passed the Senate earlier this week, passed the House tonight by a vote of 244 to 181 and now goes to President Obama for his signature into law.

"Every month, we take the time to pause on the House floor and honor our men and women in uniform for their service. Today, we have done the same for those who serve in our intelligence community. These officers are selflessly protecting the security of the American people. We are indebted to them for their dedication to the mission of keeping our nation safe.

"Keeping the American people safe is the first priority of every Member of Congress. One of the ways in which we do this is through the oversight of intelligence. A robust oversight framework is critical to ensuring that the intelligence community functions as effectively and efficiently as possible.

"This legislation will enhance Congress's ability to perform its essential oversight role. It expands and improves congressional notification for covert action, including those currently restricted to the so-called Gang of Eight. It provides the framework for the Government Accountability Office to have access to intelligence community information so that it may conduct investigations, audits and evaluations when requested by Congress.

"I commend my colleagues for joining me in supporting this legislation, and the intelligence officers at home and abroad who keep the American people safe."

SOURCE Office of the Speaker of the House