November 9, 1984
I am pleased to sign into law H.R. 5399, the Intelligence Authorization Act for fiscal year 1985.
This act represents another step in my continuing effort to revitalize our Nation's intelligence
capability. Given the ever-increasing difficulty of ensuring the security of this nation, it is essential
that we have an Intelligence Community capable of meeting these diverse challenges. In
authorizing sufficient appropriations and in providing new administrative authorities that enhance
the ability of our intelligence agencies to perform their missions, Congress has, with this act,
provided the basis for maintaining and building our intelligence capabilities. This act ensures that
the Intelligence Community can continue to stay firmly on the path of progress that we and the
Congress have charted together.
I sincerely regret the inability of the Congress to resolve the issue of continuing certain activities
in Nicaragua that are important to achieving U.S. policy objectives. The necessity of U.S. support
for this program is beyond question. I am signing this act with every expectation that shortly after
the next Congress convenes it will provide adequate support for programs to assist the
development of democracy in Central America.
Note: As enacted, H.R. 5399 is Public Law 98 - 618, approved November 8.