ABSTRACT
The arrangements within the Executive branch of government for direction and control of intelligence activities are about as complete as reasonably can be designed. The Congress created both the National Security Council, with its authority over intelligence, and the Central Intelligence Agency, with its role in coordinating the government's intelligence programs. The need for congressional oversight should be matched by responsible conduct on the part of the members of Congress in handling sensitive materials. The exclusive authority of Congress to levy taxes and allocate funds to proposed programs ensures that its role in oversight of Executive activities will be honored. In the case of the intelligence investigations, the follow-on step was formation of permanent oversight committees. The employment of investigators from the special investigation committees is understandable. The fact remains that congressional oversight is essential to effective operation of our governmental system.
