Democrats Accusation Of CIA Lying..Attempt To Defend Intel Bill Provision? Or Was It The Evil Cheney

Flopping Aces ^ | 07-10-09 | Curt

[Starman417]

A few weeks ago the Democrats sent a letter to the director of the CIA, Leon E. Panetta, accusing him of admitting that the CIA had lied to Congress during the Bush years:

June 26, 2009

The Honorable Leon E. Panetta, Director Central Intelligence Agency Washington, D.C. 20505

Dear Director Panetta,

You recall, no doubt, that on May 15, 2009, you stated the following in a letter to CIA employees:

“Let me be clear: It is not our policy or practice to mislead Congress. That is against our laws and values.”

Recently you testified that you have determined that top CIA officials have concealed significant actions from all Members of Congress, and misled Members for a number of years from 2001 to this week. This is similar to other deceptions of which we are aware from other recent periods.

In light of your testimony, we ask that you publicly correct your statement of May 15, 2009.

Sincerely,

/s/

Anna G. Eshoo Rush D. Holt Alcee L. Hastings John F. Tierny Mike Thompson Janice D. Schakowsky Adam Smith

Panetta denies this:

CIA spokesman George Little told the Washington Independent late Wednesday that the claim that Panetta admitted his agency has misled Congress is “completely wrong.” He added, “Director Panetta stands by his May 15 statement."

But the funny thing in all this, and as Dafydd ab Hugh notes at Hot Air, the timing of the release of the letter smacks of an attempt to get the CIA to open its books to the whole of Congress:

[Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ, 100%), one of the seven signers] said that the release of the letter [from the seven] was timed to coincide today with the start of debate on an intelligence reauthorization bill. Among those issues up for debate is whether the number of lawmakers briefed on the CIA’s actions should be expanded.

The Republicans AND Obama both disagree with the move:

House Republicans oppose at least one provision in the intelligence authorization bill, and they have an unusual ally: the White House.

Obama’s aides have said they will recommend he veto the bill if it includes a Democratic-written provision requiring the president to notify the intelligence committees in their entirety about covert CIA activities.

And for good reason:

[FlingWingFlyer]

The Jimmah Cahtah administration began the destruction of the CIA. It looks like the "messiah" administration has picked up the ball and is going to try to finish the job.

09-11-?? here we come.

[freekitty]

It’s Pelosi trying to save her botoxed face and her butt.

[Venturer]

Yeah!! I think it’s Nancy trying to save face too.

Did he or did he not say he CIA lied to Congress.?

If he did there is nothing honorable about Panetta. If he did not there is nothing honorable about Congress.

Hard to take sides here when you trust neither.

[texmexis best]

This is to save Pelosi. Panetta is lying but the lie will stick.

[Repealthe17thAmendment]

So, the Democrats are saying it was the CIA that lied, and not George Bush?

You kind of wonder how they know so much about liars.