Chairwoman Schakowsky Calls for Full Investigation Into CIA Deception

WASHINGTON, DC (July 10, 2009) — In a letter to House Intelligence Committee Chairman Silvestre Reyes, D-TX, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-IL, Chairwoman of the House Intelligence Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations called for an immediate investigation into the revelation by Central Intelligence Agency Director Leon Panetta that CIA leaders systematically lied, mislead, and withheld information from the House committee charged with overseeing the intelligence community. The text of the letter is attached below: Representative Silvestre ReyesChairmanHouse Permanent Select Committee on IntelligenceHVC-304, U.S. CapitolWashington, DC 20515 Dear Chairman Reyes: Over the course of the past eight years, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) leaders briefing the House Intelligence Committee have purposefully withheld information from Congress dealing with the national security of our country. The systematic deception by the CIA is a possible violation of the National Security Act and, at a minimum, a blatant disregard of this committee's oversight authority. I appreciate that you have begun taking steps to "gather information on the recent notification... from CIA Director Leon Panetta and that you are considering opening a full investigation. It is clear to me that the revelations Mr. Panetta provided create an imperative for an investigation to begin immediately by either the Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee that I chair or the full committee. It is inexcusable for the CIA to lie, mislead, or withhold information from the Congress. The Intelligence Committee depends on the presentation of reliable and complete information when deliberating important decisions that impact the national security of the United States. Past practices of the CIA compromise the integrity of this committee and undermine the ability of committee members to fulfill our oversight obligations as members to the Select Committee. To ensure accountability and restore faith in the system, I strongly urge you to promptly launch an investigation into this critical matter. Sincerely, Jan SchakowskyMember of Congress