Remarks to Reporters on
Covert Action Procedural Reforms
The President. I'm gratified we meet
today in the spirit of bipartisan cooperation and agreement about new
procedures that govern the approval and notification to Congress concerning
sensitive intelligence activities. I know the letter that I'm giving to each of
you reflects serious work and intense work by you and my senior advisers, and
I'm most grateful for your efforts.
The
measure of agreement that's reflected in my letter demonstrates the vital
importance that I attach to cooperation between the Congress and the executive
branch in the intelligence area. And on this, I know we all agree. And I firmly
believe that the new procedures we're putting in place will strengthen that
cooperation and facilitate the work of your committee in fulfilling its
important responsibilities. The procedures address legitimate areas of concern
to the Congress and the Executive, and they have my full support. And so
saying, I shall deliver the mail.
[At
this point, the President handed letters to Senator David L. Boren, chairman,
and Senator William S. Cohen, vice chairman, of the Senate Select Committee on
Intelligence, which expressed his support for the new procedures.]
Reporter. Does this mean you're going to notify of
all covert actions before they take place, and on a faster basis than you have
in the past?
The President. Well, they're going to
have a press conference back up on the Hill there, and they'll respond there as
to all this means.
Q.
Well, is this an outgrowth of your big mistakes in the
The President. Well, I haven't called
them mistakes yet. [Laughter] But we have to depart.
Q. -- -- the need for Congress to pass any
legislation?
The President. You were informed, I
know, no questions. So, you'll have at them later on.
Note: The President
spoke at