Following Torture Report, Huffman Votes Against Intelligence Authorization Bill

WASHINGTON­—Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) today released the following statement after voting against the Intelligence Authorization Act for 2015 (H.R. 4681):

“Today, I voted against the Intelligence Authorization Act for 2015. This was a missed opportunity to exercise needed oversight and implement significant and crucial reforms to our intelligence infrastructure —particularly in light of the recent report on the shameful practice of torture during the Bush administration.

"In addition to being silent on these horrifying revelations, H.R. 4681 contains no requirements regarding the disclosure, oversight, or restriction of overseas drone strikes, and is silent on domestic surveillance and many of the leading concerns about intelligence programs here at home.

"Ensuring America’s national security and providing accountability and transparency are not mutually exclusive goals. It is vital that Congress take a critical eye to the rampant growth of our intelligence budget, disregard for the rule of law by some in our intelligence agencies, and continued domestic surveillance programs."

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