Hearing Of The House Committee On Judiciary- FBI Oversight

Statement

Hearing Of The House Committee On Judiciary- FBI Oversight

REP. LAMAR S. SMITH (R-TX): Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Like you, Mr. Chairman, I welcome today's witness, Director Mueller, and I want to thank him for his dedication and commitment to the mission of the FBI, which plays such an integral role in protecting the lives of the American people.

Certainly Director Mueller deserves credit for his efforts to successfully prevent another terrorist attack since 9/11. The FBI recently has thwarted two intended terrorist attacks, one at Fort Dix Army Base, and one at JFK International Airport. As the recent National Intelligence Estimate has indicated, though, our nation is still at risk. We must continue to wage the war against terrorism at home and abroad.

On another subject, last March the committee reviewed the inspector general's audit at the FBI's use of national security letters. In that audit, the IG raised concerns regarding the FBI's use of such letters. The problem was with enforcement of the law, not the law itself. The FBI has conducted an internal audit of NSL files, prepared and disbursed specific guidelines for the use of NSL authority to its 56 field offices and established an Office of Compliance to ensure that its practices adhere to federal laws and regulations.

A few days ago, the Justice Department and the FBI announced new measures to enhance national security oversight and compliance. DOJ created a dedicated Oversight Section within the National Security Division; the FBI created a new Office of Integrity and Compliance. These new oversight programs will help ensure that national security investigations are conducted in a manner consistent with the nation's laws, regulations and policies, including those designed to protect the privacy interests and civil liberties of U.S. citizens.

It's worthwhile to remember that no evidence suggests that anyone at the FBI intended to violate the law or internal policy governing the use of NSLs. FBI agents acted in good faith and sought to comply with the law, even as they worked under severe time constraints and with an urgent desire to stop terrorist activities.

As the inspector general reported, NSLs are a critical tool in fighting terrorism and keeping our country safe. To do their job, the FBI must collect important information about suspected terrorists and spies.

The FBI has combatted terrorism while continuing to fight against other, more traditional forms of crime, such as gang violence, white- collar fraud schemes, cybercrime, child pornography, drug trafficking and intellectual property crime too.

Director Mueller, thank you for all the good work that the FBI has done for all good Americans. We appreciate your being here.

Source