Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Bud Cramer (D-Ala.) announced that the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Intelligence Authorization conference report today.  Congressman Cramer is a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the ranking Democrat on the Technical and Tactical Intelligence Subcommittee.

"As a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I review and assess our nation's intelligence capabilities," said Cramer.  "This bill will enhance our ability to strengthen the techniques used in the collection and analysis of information."

This bill authorizes activities for the CIA, National Security Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Imagery and Mapping Agency, the National Reconnaissance Organization, the Counterterrorism and Counterintelligence Department of the FBI, as well as the related activities of other agencies.  Because of the highly sensitive nature of these programs, the fiscal year 2004 authorization levels for each agency are classified.

Cramer added, "I believe that this legislation will support the intelligence community's efforts in the war against terrorism.  It is essential that our nation has the resources necessary to prevent attacks against our nation.  This bill makes improvements to ensure that our intelligence personnel are properly trained, informed, and able to evaluate information vital to our national security.  I am pleased that the House passed this report today."