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Obama threatens to veto intelligence bill over 'Gang of Eight' reform
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Updating my earlier story on upcoming intelligence legislation, the Obama administration promises to veto the House intelligence bill because of its revision of the current 'Gang of Eight' system of Congressional notification.
Marc Ambinder reports that an Obama administration memo details the reasoning behind the veto threat. From the memo:
There is a long tradition spanning decades of comity between the branches regarding intelligence matters, and the Administration has emphasized the importance of providing timely and complete congressional notification, and using "Gang of 8" limitations only to meet extraordinary circumstances affecting the vital interests of the United States . . . Unfortunately, section 321 [of the of the Intelligence Authorization Act of 2010] undermines this fundamental compact between the Congress and the President as embodied in Title V of the National Security Act regarding the reporting of sensitive intelligence matters - an arrangement that for decades has balanced congressional oversight responsibilities with the President's responsibility to protect sensitive national security information. Section 321 would run afoul of tradition by restricting an important established means by which the President protects the most sensitive intelligence activities that are carried out in the Nation's vital national security interests.
The 'Gang of Eight' system has been criticized as ineffective in promoting Congressional oversight of intelligence matters. "The Gang of Eight briefing system has been a central instrument of abuse of power," writes Marcy Wheeler of the Emptywheel blog.
The Obama administration position is sure to ignite more criticism that key campaign promises have been reneged.
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