Inside Intel

Stephanie O'Sullivan, President Obama's choice to become the principal deputy director of national intelligence, is testifying today before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence regarding her nomination. Here's an excerpt from her prepared statement:

Given the threats and challenges facing the Intelligence Community, it has never been more important for the DNI to exercise strong and effective leadership. As a nation, we are facing a daunting number of threats ranging from terrorism, to the development and proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, to cyber security. In the face of these competing imperatives, the ability of the DNI to adjudicate and set priorities is essential.

DNI leadership is also needed to address the management challenges faced by the Intelligence Community. The DNI's leadership will be required in defining a path forward for information sharing that recognizes, and appropriately balances, the inherent risks without jeopardizing the gains we have achieved through deeper integration. DNI leadership on efficiency and effectiveness initiatives will be key to optimizing the Intelligence Community's budget and resources in the face of inevitable constraints. Finally the DNI has one additional leadership duty, to lead the men and women of the Intelligence Community. Working with our Congressional oversight committees, the DNI must both support their efforts to protect our country and challenge them to give their best.