Congresswoman Speier Statement on Passage of FY17 Intelligence Authorization Act Including Four Speier Provisions

Press Release

Congresswomen Jackie Speier (D-San Francisco/San Mateo Counties), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, introduced four provisions that were included in the bipartisan Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017. This annual authorization ensures congressional oversight over the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC).

Congresswoman Speier's provisions:
* Standardize declassification photocopying fees across the IC, guaranteeing Freedom of Information Act Requests from citizens are not charged at differentiated and cost-prohibitive rates to prevent transparency;
* Expand access to graduate education programs at the Defense Intelligence Agency;
* Obtain information on the mental health resilience programs available to IC civilians returning from tours in combat zones; and
* Study reprisals taken against IC contractors who make disclosures that would be legally protected if made by IC employees.

Following unanimous passage of the bill, Congresswoman Speier released the following statement:

"This bill is an opportunity to continue to improve oversight over the Intelligence Community. I'm glad my colleagues joined me in guaranteeing greater transparency for the American people, improving access to educational and mental health resources for employees, and increasing scrutiny of possible reprisals. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this bill, and to continue our effective oversight over the year to come."

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