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Intel Committee Ranking Member Schiff Statement on DOD Inspector General’s CENTCOM Report

Washington DC - Today, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), the Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement:

 “The DOD IG report spelled out weaknesses and flaws in the management process overseeing the development of intelligence products at CENTCOM, but found no evidence that intelligence was falsified or that its leaders made any attempts to make the intelligence fit a political narrative.  Instead, the IG found that a lack of adequate feedback, ambiguity and uncertainty over policy, inadequate guidance and imperfect application of tradecraft created an environment where morale not only suffered but analysts came to question whether their work product was being distorted.  These conclusions are consistent with the HPSCI investigation which found that poor management practices and an insular command structure were causes of concern and needed remedy, but there was no evidence of a falsification or politicization of intelligence.

“The DOD IG's and HPSCI's extensive inquiries demonstrate how seriously whistleblower allegations are taken, and how committed we are to ensuring that intelligence remains free of any politicization. The whistleblowers in this case had legitimate concerns, and even a perception of skewed intelligence, particularly among veteran analysts, is a problem that needs fixing. CENTCOM still has work to do to bring its intelligence products up to standards, to strengthen dissent channels, and to improve morale among its analysts; but CENTCOM has made serious efforts to do so, and we will continue to monitor CENTCOM’S implementation of the IG's recommendations.”

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