Rep. Wasserman Schultz Appointed To Select Intelligence Oversight Panel

(Washington, DC) – On Monday, April 26th, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-20) was appointed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the U.S. House of Representatives Select Intelligence Oversight Panel. Born out of the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission and created within the House Appropriations Committee the Select Intelligence Oversight Panel (“SIOP”) is a unique legislative entity proactively designed to address the realities of both Congress and the Intelligence Community that is empowered and staffed with one goal-to strengthen Congressional intelligence oversight.

“Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz understands that our first responsibility to the American people is to keep them safe,” said Speaker Nancy Pelosi. “On this panel, she will help lead the coordination of intelligence oversight, and in doing so, strengthen our national security. This appointment is a recognition of her abilities and her commitment to protecting our nation.”

On January 9, 2007, pursuant to House Resolution 35, the House of Representatives created the Select Intelligence Oversight Panel to “review and study on a continuing basis budget requests for and execution of intelligence activities; make recommendations to relevant subcommittees of the Committee on Appropriations; and, on an annual basis, prepare a report to the Defense Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations containing budgetary and oversight observations and recommendations for use by such subcommittee in preparation of the classified annex to the bill making appropriations for the Department of Defense.”

“The Select Intelligence Oversight Panel was created to provide better coordination in Congress’ oversight responsibilities of intelligence activities and Representative Wasserman Schultz is known for her dedication and hard work and will make a fine addition to the panel,” said Congressman Dave Obey (WI-7), the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

SIOP’s mission is to combine authorization and appropriation expertise at every level — Members and Staff. In its first three short years, the SIOP’s 13 Members and 5 dedicated staff scrutinized over $75 billion in intelligence funding yearly, conducted regular hearings, and committed countless man hours to intelligence community briefings, meetings and on-site reviews-with a breadth that stretches from top level officials to front-line intelligence personnel.

Since its creation, the SIOP significantly increased the examination of intelligence activities through oversight hearings, briefings and on-site visits on topics such as covert action, cybersecurity, counterterrorism and funding for Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I can think of no higher calling for our government than the safety and security of Americans,” said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-20). “I am honored to have been appointed to the Select Intelligence Oversight Panel, and look forward to further serving our nation on this panel by ensuring that our intelligence agencies and personnel have the guidance and resources they need to protect America.”