AUWCL Welcomes Rep. Jim Himes For Panel on National Intelligence and Cyber Security
March 7, 2019
On Tuesday, March 5th, American University Washington College of Law hosted "A Panel Discussion on National Security, Intelligence, and Cyber Security," moderated by Professor Fernando Laguarda with a special appearance from member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT).
Rep. Himes gave extensive remarks about the Russia investigation, noted that Russia is not an existential threat, and warned that when we question our opponent’s motives, we are playing into the hands of Putin. Rep. Himes also highlighted the bipartisan work that Congress has achieved over the last two years despite the media's portrayal of partisan fighting.
As part of the panel discussion, American University Professor Jen Gumbrewicz reviewed the nuts and bolts of what Congress can and should do when it comes to oversight, legislation, and investigation, including how a fair amount of appropriations are used as a mechanism in various aspects of governing, specifically in oversight.
During the panel, Professor and Senior Affiliate in Law and Government Louis Caldera followed up on the importance of intelligence oversight and the role of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence in particular, while Professor Jennifer Daskal explained what will happen next with Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s report and what disclosure options the House will have to access the report.
Professor Rebecca Hamilton emphasized the role of intelligence in preventing genocide and human rights violations, and the need for active oversight of the intelligence community, given the deference it otherwise receives due to the sensitive nature of its work.
The event was sponsored by the Program on Law and Government, AU Legislation & Policy Brief, and the National Security Law Brief.