Bipartisan dialogue, debate, and constructive engagement are central components of CNAS's work. A focus on bipartisan engagement on national security law issues will build on prior work conducted across the Center. In 2018, CNAS initiated a project focused specifically on bolstering bipartisan national security decision-making in Congress. As part of that effort, CNAS engaged in work that explored challenges in conducting intelligence oversight. The research and writing on intelligence oversight were based on the premise that congressional intelligence oversight is an essential component of providing accountability for the activities of the intelligence services. Effective oversight by the intelligence committees is needed to monitor the adequacy of legal authorities, the lawfulness of activities carried out under those authorities, and the responsible application of public funds for intelligence activities. As elected representatives entrusted with providing an outside check on activities that are conducted out of the public eye, members of the committees serve a critical function in facilitating accountability, transparency, and confidence in intelligence activities conducted under law.
Highlights
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Enhancing Congressional Intelligence Committee Effectiveness
Reports
In a new working paper, Carrie Cordero provides a fresh assessment regarding whether the intelligence committees in Congress need significant structural reforms, assesses whic...
By Carrie Cordero
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Intelligence Oversight Priorities for the 116th Congress
Reports
Introduction Congressional oversight is essential for providing accountability for the activities of the intelligence services.1 Effective oversight by the congressional intel...
By Carrie Cordero
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Fostering Bipartisanship in Intelligence Oversight
Video
Experts and policymakers discuss setting intelligence oversight priorities, the importance of bipartisanship in intelligence oversight, and whether the intelligence committees...
By Carrie Cordero, Ellen Nakashima, Representative C.A. “Dutch” Ruppersberger & The Honorable Mike Rogers
