Cmte Intelligence (D) RSS Articles

Himes, Warner Warn Pulte Against Illegal or Reckless Actions at ODNI

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC -- U.S. Representative Jim Himes (D-CT), Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, wrote to Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte regarding his intentions for his tenure, the protection of the ODNI workforce and safeguarding of classified materials, and his legal obligation to preserve all records of the actions he takes in an acting capacity.

The lawmakers wrote, “We are concerned that your record as Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency demonstrates a willingness to misuse your position, including your access to sensitive information, to pursue President Trump’s perceived political enemies and further his retributive political agenda. Given the extremely sensitive nature of intelligence, we expect that you will not declassify properly classified information that would compromise intelligence sources and methods, or weaponize the declassification process for partisan political purposes, and that any declassification effort you undertake will follow all established policies and practices, including by obtaining substantive input from career intelligence officials regarding the national security risks posed by declassification.

“Additionally, we are concerned by reports that you intend to fire or place on leave hundreds of Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) officers as soon as this week. While there is room to consider responsible reductions to ODNI’s workforce, any large cuts would follow on a substantial downsizing that has already occurred in 2025 and risk jeopardizing the mission of an organization explicitly created after 9/11 to prevent any future such terrorist attack. Given your lack of experience within the Intelligence Community, it is difficult to imagine that in such a short amount of time you have already developed fully-informed views as to how to shrink ODNI without incurring risks to national security. Making significant structural changes to ODNI, to include a reduction in force, is not an appropriate course of action for anyone in an acting capacity, let alone without consultation with Congress, and you should refrain from doing so.

“Finally, we write to remind you of your obligation to preserve all records and materials related to actions you take while serving as the Acting Director of National Intelligence, including, but not limited to, any actions regarding declassification, publication, or release of classified materials, as well as any personnel actions. Preserving federal records and safeguarding information critical to congressional oversight is a legal obligation that you and all employees of the ODNI are required to meet.^[1^] This includes electronic messages sent using both official and personal accounts or devices and records created using text messages, phone-based message applications, or encryption software.”

The full letter is available here.

Himes, Meeks, Smith Demand Briefing on US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC -- U.S. Representatives Jim Himes, Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Adam Smith, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, today sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding the administration brief Congress on the details of the reported Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreed to by the United States and Iran on June 15, 2026.

A PDF of the letter can be found here. An excerpt is below.

“For more than 15 weeks, the Administration left Congress and the American people in the dark about a war of choice that has proved to be a strategic failure and inflicted real costs on Americans. Since February 28, 14 service members have been killed, hundreds wounded, critical U.S. assets in the region have been damaged, U.S. munition stockpiles have been depleted, regional partners have suffered the brunt of Iranian retaliation, and global prices of food, oil, and material goods skyrocketed for months while the Strait of Hormuz remained closed. Although President Trump has repeatedly declared the war is over, the Administration has refused to testify publicly or provide the American people with the answers they deserve.

“While we welcome the Administration’s turn toward diplomacy and its decision to end this war of choice, the Administration must provide Congress with greater details about the MoU, any side agreements, and the Administration's plan and strategy for the 60-day ceasefire period; including its approach to sanctions relief, Iran’s nuclear program, and reported economic and reconstruction funds. On all these questions, the Administration has already repeatedly contradicted itself while asking the American people to trust the contents of an agreement that hasn’t been made available to them.”

Himes, Meeks Call on Rubio to Avert Humanitarian Crisis

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC—Representatives Jim Himes, Ranking Member on the House Intelligence Committee, and Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, wrote to Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling for the United States to establish a humanitarian corridor for the transit of fertilizer shipments through the Strait of Hormuz to prevent Trump’s unnecessary war from triggering a broader humanitarian catastrophe.

“The Administration has a responsibility to address the humanitarian and economic consequences of the conflict it chose to initiate,” the Members wrote. “Preventing a broader food security crisis should be an immediate priority. The United States should lead a coordinated diplomatic effort with allies, regional partners, and international organizations to establish a humanitarian maritime corridor for fertilizer, other essential agricultural inputs, and emergency nutrition and food commodities through the Strait of Hormuz. Such a corridor would help stabilize global markets, protect vulnerable populations, and demonstrate that even amid heightened tensions, diplomacy remains capable of delivering tangible results.”

The letter continued: “Failure to act will carry consequences far beyond the region. Food insecurity is a catalyst for political instability, displacement, and conflict, all of which ultimately undermine U.S. national security interests. The United States cannot afford to allow a preventable disruption in fertilizer supplies to trigger a wider humanitarian crisis. Swift diplomatic engagement is necessary to avert further harm and restore confidence in the free flow of essential goods through one of the world's most strategically important waterways.”

The full letter is available here.

Statement From House Democratic Leadership and Ranking Members Himes and Raskin on FISA Section 702

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, Ranking Member Jim Himes, and Ranking Member Jamie Raskin released the following statement on the House GOP's vote to extend FISA Section 702 with no meaningful reforms:

"Section 702 is a critical foreign intelligence authority, but we cannot in good conscience vote for reauthorization without significant reforms to protect both national security and the constitutional privacy rights of Americans.

"Bill Pulte has no relevant national security experience. Consequently, his appointment is in defiance of the law that requires the Director of National Intelligence to have 'extensive' national security experience. The apparent motivation for his elevation is the demonstrated willingness of Bill Pulte to search government databases for alleged dirt on President Trump’s chosen political enemies.

"There is a path to reauthorizing FISA, but it will require enacting meaningful reforms. We oppose this bill to kick the can further down the road."

Himes Statement on Nomination of Jay Clayton as DNI

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC— Ranking Member Jim Himes (CT-04) today released the following statement:

“I have known Jay Clayton for decades and worked with him during his time as Chairman of the Securities Exchange Commission. During that time, he had the independence of mind and respect for the law that are necessary for any Director of National Intelligence. I am hopeful that he will maintain that independence and provide apolitical high-quality intelligence to policymakers. The Senate should evaluate and confirm his nomination quickly. It is critical that we have a permanent DNI in place and move past the Bill Pulte disaster.”

Himes Questions Trump Appointee on Counterintelligence Threat

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC— Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee Jim Himes today wrote to Rodney Mims Cook Jr., the presidentially-appointed member and chairman of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, with concerns regarding the counterintelligence threat posed by his attendance at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum earlier this month.

“Because this conference serves as a forum to promote Russia’s economic interests and geopolitical narratives, your participation raises significant geostrategic, political, and counterintelligence concerns—the last of which is very much in my committee’s jurisdiction,” Himes wrote.

“As you should be aware, Russia is subject to extensive U.S. and international sanctions in response to President Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, Russia conducts aggressive intelligence collection and malign influence operations targeting the United States and our allies. Any U.S. official traveling to Russia would undoubtedly be the target of substantial Russian intelligence interest, both overt and covert.”

The letter requested a reply, no later than June 19, 2026, with answers to a series of questions regarding the nature of Mr. Cook’s attendance and whether proper counterintelligence practices were followed.

Read the full letter here.

House Intelligence Committee Democrats Call on Trump to Rescind Pulte Appointment

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC— Ranking Member Jim Himes (CT-04) today led Democratic Members of the House Intelligence Committee in a letter to President Donald Trump calling for him to rescind the appointment of Bill Pulte to the position of Acting Director of National Intelligence due to his complete lack of national security, foreign policy or intelligence experience and track record of government abuse.

“Mr. Pulte’s work in your administration demonstrates why he is a uniquely poor choice to serve as acting DNI,” the lawmakers wrote. “As Director of FHFA, he mined confidential databases to generate frivolous criminal referrals against a Senator, a Federal Reserve Board Member, and a State Attorney General. He has distinguished himself only as someone who will do or say anything to stay in your good graces, qualities that are precisely the opposite of what our nation needs in a DNI.”

They continued: “It is likely that Mr. Pulte has never received a classified briefing or reviewed a classified document. There is no reason to believe that he has any concept of the DNI’s responsibilities or those of the broader intelligence community he would lead. As you know, the DNI is briefed on the most sensitive information held by our government—information that can lead to exceptionally grave national security consequences and even the loss of life if disclosed. That this appointment comes amid a war with Iran that has claimed the lives of 13 American service members and caused massive economic consequences for the American people only compounds our concern that you would fill this post with someone with no relevant experience.”

“Because Mr. Pulte is manifestly unqualified and unfit for the DNI role, we urge you to rescind his appointment immediately. The United States needs a professional leading the intelligence community and providing the best intelligence possible to policymakers as our nation navigates multiple conflicts and crises,” concluded the lawmakers.

In addition to Ranking Member Himes, the letter was signed by Representatives André Carson (IN-07), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Jason Crow (CO-06), Ami Bera (CA-06), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Mike Quigley (IL-05), and Steve Cohen (TN-09).

Read the full letter here.

Himes Statement on House Vote to Reclaim Congressional War Authority

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC— Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee Jim Himes today released the following statement regarding the House of Representatives vote to pass a War Powers Resolution to end hostilities in Iran. The Resolution was introduced by Congressman Himes along with Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Gregory W. Meeks and Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee Adam Smith.

“Months after Donald Trump launched his ill-advised and unconstitutional war against Iran, he has yet to present a cohesive strategy for the cessation of hostilities, or any end goal that positively impacts our national security. In the meantime, 13 service members have lost their lives, our weapons stockpiles are severely depleted, and gas costs a dollar and a half more than it did last year.

“No president, and certainly not one as erratic and unstable as Trump, should be able to singlehandedly inflict this kind of damage on our country, but not enough of my Republican colleagues have been willing to stand up for Congress’s Constitutional prerogatives and against a war that has clearly failed to achieve any strategic objections. I hope that the vote today signals a lasting end to this disastrous conflict, but also a new willingness among Congressional Republicans to act as a check on this Administration.”

Himes Statement on Appointment of Bill Pulte

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC— Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Jim Himes today released the following statement:

“Despite a law requiring the Director of National Intelligence to have ‘extensive’ national security experience, the President’s choice for Acting DNI, Bill Pulte, has quite literally no relevant experience with intelligence or national security. His brief career in public service has shown only that he is willing to abuse his office to attack Donald Trump’s political enemies. That would be dangerous in any job, but in a position that requires sober, apolitical judgment based on intelligence, it is potentially catastrophic for national security. Putting Pulte in charge of ODNI makes a mockery of the very real national security challenges our nation faces. At the very least, Pulte must undergo a full security clearance process before he is allowed access to our most sensitive intelligence programs, and the Administration must be transparent with the Intelligence Committees on that process.”

Top National Security Democrats Urge Trump to Reaffirm U.S. Commitment to Taiwan Ahead of Beijing Visit

Wed, 13 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Representatives Jim Himes, Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Ro Khanna, Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, Gregory Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Adam Smith, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, are urging President Donald Trump to reaffirm the United States’ longstanding One-China policy ahead of his visit to the People’s Republic of China, warning that any deviation from decades of bipartisan Taiwan policy could undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

In a letter sent to the President, the lawmakers write: “For decades, the United States has contributed to the preservation of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait by grounding its One-China Policy in the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), the Three Joint Communiqués, and the Six Assurances. The TRA (P.L. 96-8; 22 U.S.C. §§3301 et seq.) requires the United States to provide Taiwan with arms of a defensive character to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability.”

The letter further states that U.S. policy has long maintained that Taiwan’s future must be resolved peacefully, while underscoring that the Six Assurances made clear Washington did not abandon Taiwan following the 1982 U.S.-China Joint Communiqué on arms sales. The lawmakers note that the Second Assurance states the United States has “not agreed” to consult with Beijing in advance on arms sales to Taiwan, arguing that longstanding American commitments have helped preserve stability across the Taiwan Strait by deterring Chinese aggression and preventing a conflict the American people overwhelmingly seek to avoid.

“Delays of Congressionally approved arms sales to Taiwan undercut the maintenance of effective cross-Strait deterrence, and even the possibility of the PRC unduly influencing the United States’ Taiwan policy undermines the spirit of both the TRA and the Six Assurances,” the lawmakers continue.

In advance of the President’s trip to Beijing, the lawmakers request the President do the following:

formally notify and proceed with the export of Congressionally approved arms cases to Taiwan;
affirm the Administration’s commitment to the One-China Policy, as based on the TRA, Three Joint Communiqués, and the Six Assurances;
and oppose any PRC attempt to dictate U.S. policy toward Taiwan.

“Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait rest on the United States’ steadfast adherence to the principles which it has upheld for decades,” the lawmakers conclude.

Read the letter here.

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Impeachment Inquiry: Ms. Cooper & Mr. Hale

Wed, 20 Nov 2019 19:30:00 GMT

Impeachment Inquiry: Ambassador Sondland

Wed, 20 Nov 2019 14:00:00 GMT

Impeachment Inquiry: Ambassador Volker & Mr. Morrison

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 19:30:00 GMT

Impeachment Inquiry: Ms. Williams & Lt. Col. Vindman

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 14:00:00 GMT

Impeachment Inquiry: Dr. Hill

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 14:00:00 GMT

Full Committee Open Hearing

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 15:00:00 GMT

Full Committee Open Hearing

Fri, 15 Nov 2019 15:00:00 GMT

Full Committee Hearing: Whistleblower Disclosure

Thu, 26 Sep 2019 13:00:00 GMT

Full Committee Witness Interview (Closed)

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 13:30:00 GMT

U.S.-Saudi Security Relationship

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 13:30:00 GMT