The House Intelligence Committee on Thursday rejected a proposal to withhold money from the National Security Agency if the White House did not reveal information about the cost of the agency’s warrantless surveillance program.

In a session closed to reporters, only Rep. Heather Wilson, R-N.M., who heads a subcommittee that oversees the NSA, voted with the Democrats to support the measure to hold back one-fifth of the agency’s budget.

This is funny: The arm of government charged with oversight of the IC is torqued because they can’t get an agency they’re responsible for watching to provide them with budget information they’re supposed to approve. Their response? Attempt to hamstring the agency by withholding 1/5^th of the agency’s budget.

Playing games with money for bridges to nowhere is one thing, but you’re talking about money that makes a PowerBall lottery win look like pocket change. As a reminder, this isn’t money that is then used to pay for bourbon and lap dances, but is used in defense of the nation.

Captain Ed lays it all out better here. I’ll be in the corner pounding my head against a wall if you need me.

About the Author

Michael Tanji

Michael Tanji spent nearly 20 years in the US intelligence community. Trained in both SIGINT and HUMINT disciplines he has worked at the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and the National Reconnaissance Office. At various points in his career he served as an expert in information warfare, computer network operations, computer forensics, and indications and warning. A veteran of the US Army, Michael has served in both strategic and tactical assignments in the Pacific Theater, the Balkans, and the Middle East.