House authorizes intelligence programs through 2015

The House passed legislation to authorize intelligence activities through fiscal 2015.

Funding levels in the measure, passed 345-59, are classified. It would authorize spending for the CIA, Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), National Security Agency and Defense Intelligence Agency (DNI).

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-MI), who is retiring, said that the controversies over NSA spying had mischaracterized American intelligence activities. "We have somehow decided over the last year that our intelligence services are the problem," Chairman Rogers said. "They are part of the solution."

"For the sake of vigorous oversight and accountability over all US intelligence agencies, I urge my colleagues to support this bill," said Rep Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) of the Intelligence Committee. Due to the classified nature of many of its provisions, the intelligence authorization is marked up in committee behind closed doors. But Chairman Rogers maintained that members of the committee had engaged in rigorous debate on overseeing the nation's intelligence programs.

"There is no love fest when those doors close," Chairman Rogers said.