Report: The Pentagon's new powers

Monday, January 24, 2005

WASHINTON D.C., USA – (Washington Post) A Washington Post report reveals a secret intelligence department created by the Pentagon "directly responsive to tasking from Secretary of Defense" Donald Rumsfeld. The report raises questions regarding the legality of the Strategic Support Branch, allegations disputed by Pentagon spokesperson Lawrence T. DiRita:

"...the Department is not attempting to 'bend' statutes to fit desired activities, as is suggested in this article."

Sen. John McCain (R AZ) expects the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee to hold hearings on the issue. "I'm always sorry to read about things in The Washington Post when they affect a committee that I am a member of."

Members of congressional intelligence committees were reported as not being aware of the program. Funding of the program was through "reprogrammed" funds, without explicit congressional authority or appropriation.

Sources

Barton Gellman. "Secret Unit Expands Rumsfeld's Domain: New Espionage Branch Delving Into CIA Territory" — Washington Post, Sunday, January 23, 2005; Page A01
"Report: Pentagon has new spy agency" — Al Jazeera, Monday 24 January 2005, 23:20 Makka Time, 20:20 GMT
Barbara Starr. "Pentagon runs clandestine intelligence-gathering infrastructure" — CNN, Monday, January 24, 2005 Posted: 1832 GMT (0232 HKT)
Dan Glaister in Los Angeles. "Pentagon spy network revealed" — The Guardian, Monday January 24, 2005
"McCain Expects Hearings On Defense Intelligence Unit:Pentagon Disputes Some of Post Report" — Washington Post, Monday, January 24, 2005; Page A02
"Secret Pentagon spies confirmed" — BBC, Monday, 24 January, 2005, 22:01 GMT

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