WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and U.S. Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT), Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, wrote to Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton regarding the upcoming midterm election, urging transparency to Congress and the public around possible foreign threats to the midterms.
“Career intelligence community (IC) analysts recently briefed the House Committee about the latest assessments regarding foreign threats to the upcoming midterms,” the lawmakers wrote. “These briefings, as well as additional briefings given to staff of both committees, provided valuable insight into how our intelligence professionals are monitoring potential attempts by our adversaries to influence or interfere in U.S. elections, and how such foreign malign activity compares to prior cycles. Between now and Election Day, it is critical the IC continue to inform policymakers, state and local election administrators, and the American people about threats to our elections.”
They continued, “While we have received the first in a series of statutorily required reports about foreign adversaries targeting this election, there are still several outstanding statutorily required products owed to the Committees. It is essential that the IC complete production of its remaining assessments in a timely manner, so that policymakers remain up-to-date regarding any emerging intelligence or shifts in the analytic line before the midterm elections. This process should include the declassification and public issuance of the Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) about foreign threats to the 2024 presidential election. The lack of a public ICA contravenes the law and undercuts needed transparency about IC efforts to keep our elections secure from outside interference.”
In addition to these statutory requirements, the lawmakers requested a full interagency classified update for members before the election, a commitment to provide real-time notification about emerging threats to elections, and the responsible release of unclassified election assessments to keep the public informed about possible threats and other relevant context.
“A statement noting the absence of indications of significant foreign interference efforts is just as important as a statement exposing any such activities. Regardless, the American people should receive as much information as we can responsibly provide prior to the election,” they concluded.
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