Barrasso blasts Administration’s initiative to focus CIA resources on climate change
Calls for hearings and briefings to ensure intelligence officials are focused on protecting our country from immediate terror threats
by Senator Barrasso media release
January 5, 2010
Washington, D.C. – Today (Tuesday, January 5, 2010), Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) released the following statement regarding the Administration’s initiative to use Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) intelligence, satellites and personnel for the CIA Center on Climate Change and National Security.
"On Christmas Day, Americans received a clear reminder that terrorists are as intent as ever on attacking our country and murdering innocent civilians. In light of the thwarted attack, Administration officials and Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle promised to fix the system and ensure that our intelligence officials have the tools and resources they need to keep America safe.
"Today’s New York Times article confirms that the Administration remains committed to the creation of the CIA Center on Climate Change and National Security. In times of peace and prosperity, this center would completely defy common sense. But today, only two weeks after a terrorist attempted to blow up a plane over our country, this center is absolutely ridiculous. The CIA’s resources should be focused on monitoring terrorists in caves – not polar bears on icebergs.
"This irresponsible initiative should not go forward. Today, I call on the Senate Intelligence and Environment and Public Works Committees to hold hearings and the Administration to brief Members of Congress about this issue. We must ensure that our intelligence officials are focused on their most important task – protecting our country from immediate terror threats."
Background:
In October 1st, Senator Barrasso proposed an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2010 Defense Appropriations bill that would have prevented intelligence funds from being used for the CIA Center on Climate Change and National Security. The Barrasso amendment failed by a 38 to 60 vote.
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