They are seeking more information on the agency’s program.
Senators Ron Wyden of Oregon and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico sent a letter to the Central Intelligence Agency alleging that the CIA has long hidden details about a data collection program that includes information collected about Americans. They say details on the clandestine program have been hidden from the public and the legislative branch.
The legislators say they think the program operated “outside the statutory framework that Congress and the public believe govern this collection.” The two senators have historically been advocates for transparency among the U.S. intelligence agencies.
Their letter emphasizes the importance of congressional awareness of CIA data collection programs to properly legislate. They also argue it is important that “the American public not be misled into believe [sic] that the reforms in any reauthorization legislation fully cover the [U.S. intelligence community’s] collection of their records.”
The letter was sent in April 2021 and declassified Thursday. Documents released by the CIA were blacked out.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Senators Heinrich and Wyden as they seek answers from the CIA regarding data collection.
- For CIA officials to cooperate with members of Congress and operate within the law.
- That members of Congress would be wise in their pursuit of privacy protections for Americans.
Sources: Just The News, CBS News
