Publications

INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION BILL

Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, in January the Senate took an important step toward improving Congressional accountability by passing the Legislative Transparency and Accountability Act as part of S.1. One of the key provisions of this legislation attempts to shine light on the process by which members request the inclusion of specific projects in legislation, in other words, earmarks.

That provision includes a requirement that each Senate committee make public all congressional earmarks included in bills reported by the committee. We normally think of earmarks as part of the appropriations process, but the requirement in S.1 applies to all bills and makes it clear that the term “congressional earmark” includes language authorizing funds, not just appropriations language. The legislation includes a specific requirement to disclose earmarks contained in classified portions of reports “to the extent practicable, consistent with the need to protect national security.” 

With that in mind, I rise today to formally describe for the Senate the earmarks included in S.1538, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, a bill reported by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on May 31, 2007. This information was not included specifically in the bill or report because we were wrestling with what, if anything, in the bill and classified annex met the definition of an earmark. The definition included in S.1 is subject to some interpretation.

Taking an expansive view of the definition, Vice Chairman Bond and I identified three items that seem to fit. I ask that a list of those earmarks be included in the record at this point. 

Congressional Earmarks included in the Classified Annex Accompanying S.1538, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008.

A provision adding $200,000 to the office of the Director of National Intelligence for an Intelligence Training Program run by the Kennedy School of Government. This program was started in fiscal year 2007 but the President did not request funding for it for fiscal year 2008.The provision was added at the request of Senator Rockefeller. 

A provision adding $4,500,000 to the Naval Oceanographic Command. This provision was added at the request of Senator Lott.

A provision directing the expenditure of $5,000,000 for a classified effort with the National Reconnaissance Office’s GEOINT/SIGINT Integrated Ground Development Engineering and Management Expenditure Center. This provision was added at the request of Senator Rockefeller.

S.1538 contains no limited tax benefits or limited tariff benefits, as defined in Section 103 of S.1.