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4th. At a hearing on Global Security threats, director of National Intelligence dan coats was asked about possible collusion between the Trump Campaign and russia. Hes joined by the head of the Defense Intelligence agency. Senator john mccain chair it is twohour hearing. Good morning. Senate Armed Services Committee Meet this is morning. We are pleased to welcome our distinguished witnesses, dan koets, director of National Intelligence and Lieutenant General Vince Stewart, director of Defense Intelligence agency. Out of respect for the scheduling commitments of our witnesses and a unanimous request on the part of all our members, we will conclude this hearing at 11 30 in the interest of time and to ensure the members of the committee to be able to ask their questions i will be very brief. I know that comes as a disappointment, especially to the senator from south carolina. Id ask our witnesses to please submit their written statements for the record. If they can, thats not required but anyway. Last nights horrific attack in manchester was a gruesome reminder that the world is on fire. Everywhere we turn we can see threats to the world, rules based order that underpins Global Security and prosperity. Yet when it comes to the Great National security challenges we face, u. S. Policy and strategy are consistently lacking. Whether its china, russia, north korea, iran, terrorism i have heard few compelling answers about how the United States intends to use its alliance, trades, diplomacy, its values and most of all its military to protect and defend our National Interests and the rules based order that supporting them. Especially with sequestration still the law of the land. This is still a young administration. Cogent, coherent policy and procedure take time to decide. Time is of the essence. Senator reed. Mr. Chairman, in keeping with your spirit, i will abbreviate my statement but i ask the full statement be made part of the record. Without objection. Thank you for holding this important hearing and thank our witnesses for appearing here today to provide their analysis of the National Security threats and other challenges facing us around the world. I would also like to welcome back our former colleague director coats. Dan, how are you . First appearance before the committee and general stewart, thank you for your continued strong leadership of the intelligence professionals at the Defense National organization. Around the socalled four plus one. Primary threats facing our nation today namely russia, north korea, iran and the enduring nonstate challenge of violent extremism, a tragic example of what we witnessed last evening in england and our hearts and prayers and thoughts go out to the people of england and the people of the world. We are pursuing these issues and i know you, gentlemen, are at the forefront in terms of our intelligence efforts and i appreciate what you do. The four plus one threats i touched upon inform the capabilities we develop, the size of the force we build and plan against. However, to paraphrase former secretary gates, we have a near perfect record of the nature of the next threat to face. We have always gotten it wrong. We rely on our Intelligence Community to highlight those emerging threats, the ones not identified already and i hope our witnesses will provide the committee with candid thoughts on the other challenges we should pay close attention to moving forward in addition to the four plus one that i have outlined. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Since a quo rum is present, i ask the committee to consider pending military nominations. First the committee to consider the nomination of undersecretary comptroller dagle, Evaluation Department of defense, elaine mccuster, comptroller. Car rye bingham Principle Deputy undersecretary of intelligence for defense. Assistant secretary of sentence for affairs. Mr. Kenneth p. To be assistant secretary of is there a motion to favorably report so moved. Is there a second . All in favor say aye. The ayes have it. Welcome to our old and dear friend secretary coats and Lieutenant General stewart who continues to serve with distinction and with great honor. I thank you, director coats, given your advanced age, we begin with you. Thank you, mr. Chairman. You and i have an ongoing race between whos the more aged and experienced. And you win every time. Which is quite an accomplishment. Im pleased to be before you, chairman mccain and Ranking Member reed and members of the committee. I must admit when i walked through the door instinctively i made a right turn trying to find my seat. Up on the panel. And said, oh yeah, thats right. I have to come down here. Youre welcome at any time to come and take a trip to memory lane, mr. Coats. Thank you. Let me just reiterate what the chairman said, relative to what happened in manchester, last evening. I just returned from london a couple of days ago, and met with all of my Intelligence Community colleagues there. We spent a significant amount of time discussing threats to our respective homelands and its a tragic situation that we see all too much of happening in countries around the world and in particular our allies so it once again reminds us that this threat is real. It is not going away. And needs significant attention to do everything we can to protect our people. From these kinds of attacks. Im here today with Lieutenant General Vince Stewart from the dia to discuss the assessment of the multitude of threats facing our country. And then brief opening comments, as well. And i have tried to condense my opening remarks knowing this is an unclassified session that zoo that well have plenty of time for your questions. Were here to describe in an unclassified way the complexity of the threat environment and trafficked the ic to stay ahead of the adversary and this has not been an easy task. We appreciate the support of this committee to address these threats in a way that will give the president , the congress and other policymakers the best and most integrated intelligence we can assemble. In the interest of time, ill discuss just some of the many challenges that we currently face. The ics written statement submitted earlier discusses these and many other threats in much greater detail. Let me start with north korea. North korea is an increasingly grave National Security threat to the United States because of its growing missile and Nuclear Capabilities combined with the aggressive approach of its leader kim jongun. Kim is attempting to prove that he has the capability to strike the u. S. Mainland with a Nuclear Weapon. We assess that all flight tests this year including the two this month have demonstrated capabilities short of an icbm at this point in time. However, north korea updated its constitution in 2012 to declare itself a Nuclear Power and its officials consistently state Nuclear Weapons as the basis for regime survival. Suggesting kim does not intend to negotiate them away. In syria, we assess that the regime will maintain momentum on the battlefield provided as is likely it maintains support of iran and russia. Continuation of the syrian conflict will worsen already dangerous conditions for syrians in regional states. Further more, as you all know on april 4th, Syrian Regime used nerve agent sarin in what was probably the largest chemical attack by the regime since august 2013. Since that sarin attack we have observed more than five allegations of Syrian Regime chlorine use. We assess that syria is probably both willing and able to use chemical weapons in future attacks. We are still acquiring and continue to analyze all intelligence related to the question of whether russian officials had foreknowledge of the syrian chemical weapon attack on 4 april. Let me turn to Cyber Threats. Cyber threats continue to represent a critical National Security issue for the United States for at least two key reasons. First our adversaries are becoming more bold, more capability and more adept at using cyberspace to threaten our interests and to shape real world outcomes and the number of adder is varies grows as nation states, terrorist groups, criminal organizations and others continue to develop Cyber Capabilities. And second, the potential impact of these Cyber Threats is amplified by the ongoing integration of technology in the Critical Infrastructure and into our daily lives. We see this today in the form of the juan that cry ransom attack victiming companies, services and individuals in well over 100 nations within days of its 12 may release. As this activity continues, the u. S. Government investigation is ongoing. The worldwide threat of terrorism is geographically diverse and multifaceted and poses a continuing challenge for the United States for the allies and partners who seek to counter it. Isis is experiencing territorial losses in iraq and syria, however, we assess isis will continue to be an active terrorist threat to the United States due to its Proven Ability to detective and inspire attacks against a wide range of targets around the world. I might mention isis claimed responsibility for the attack in manchester although they claim responsibility for virtually every attack we have not verified yet. The connection. Outside iraq and syria, isis is seeking to foster interconnectedness among its global branches and networks. Align their efforts to a strategy and withstand counter isis efforts. We assess that isis maintains the intent and camability to direct, enable and assist and inspire transnational attacks. Al qaeda and its affiliates continue to pose a significant terrorist threat overseas as they remain primarily focused on local and regional conflicts. And homegrown violent extremists remain the most frequent and unpredictable threat to the United States homeland. This threat will persist with little or no warning. Id like to take a quick run through key areas of the middle east and iraq. Baghdads primary focus through 2017, we assess, will be recapturing and stabilizing mosul and other territory controlled by isis. We assess that iraq will still face serious challenges to its stability, political viability and territorial integrity even as the threat from isis is reduced. Reconstruction will cost billions of dollars andette no sectarian and political recon sell yags will be an ongoing challenge. The public statements to preserve the joint comprehensive plan of action. Because it views the deal as a means to remove sanctions while preserving some Nuclear Capabilities. We assess that the jcpoa agreement extended the amount of time iran would need to produce enough material for a Nuclear Weapons for Nuclear Weapons from a few months to about a year. Meantime, teherans malign activities continue. For example, iran provides arms, financing and training and manages as many as 10,000 iraqi, afghan and pakistani shia fighters in syria to support the assad regime. Iran has sent hundreds of its own forces to include members of the Islamic Revolutionary guard corps, the irrgc and forces to syria as advisers. The reelection on 19 may of rowhani suggest the populace support it is jcpoa. Shortly before the election, rowhani criticized the ircg excuse me. Ircg for attempting to sabotage the deal and called for iran to restart interaction with the world and not be under, quote, the evil shadow of war. In yemen, fighting will almost certainly persist in 2017 between hue think aligned forces, trained by iran and the yemeni government, backed by assadi led coalition. Neither side has been able to achieve decisive results through military force. Al qaeda in the arabian peninsula, aqap an isis branch in yemen exploited the conflict in yemen and the collapse of Government Authority to gain new recruits an allies and expand their influence. The ic assesses that the political and security situation in afghanistan will almost certainly deteriorate through 2018 even with a modest increase in military assistance by the United States and its partners. This deterioration is underpinned by afghanistans dire economic situation. Afghanistan will struggle to curb its dependence on external support until it contains the insurgency or a Peace Agreement with the taliban. Meanwhile, we assess that the taliban is likely to continue to make gains, especially in rural areas. Afghan Security Forces performance probably worsen due to a combination of taliban operations, combat casualties, dee sergss, poor Logistic Support and weak leadership. Pakistan is concerned about International Isolation and sees its position through the prism of indias Rising International status including indias expanded foreign outreach in deepeni deepening ties to the United States. Pakistan will likely turn to china to offset the isolation empowering a relationship that will help beijing to project influence in the indian ocean. In addition, islamabad failed to curb militants and terrorists in pakistan. These groups are a persistent threat in the region and continue to plan and conduct attacks in india and afghanistan. Russia is likely to become a more assertive nation in global affairs, more unpredictable in its approach to the United States and more authoritarian in the approach to domestic politics. We assess that russia will continue to look to leverage the military support to the assad regime to drive a political settlement process in syria on russias terms. Moscow is also likely to use russias military intervention in syria in conjunction with efforts to capitalize on fears of a growing isis and extremist threat and expand its role in the middle east. We also have noticed and discussed in significant detail and may do so during this session russias influence campaign and strategies to undermine Democratic Institutions and interfere with elections. As i said, i just returned from europe. Clearly, in france, in its election, now in germany with its pending election, in england with its pending election, we are seeing duplications of what has happened here in our election so the russian strategy continues. Let me talk a little bit about ukraine and russia. We assess that moscows strategic objectives in ukraine maintaining longterm influence over kiev and frustrating ukraines attempts will remain unchanged in 2017. Russia continues to exert military and diplomatic interpretation of the political provisions of the minsk 2 agreement. Among them, constitutional amendments that would effectively give moscow a veto on kievs strategic decisions. Ill finish up here with china. China will continue to pursue an active foreign policy, especially within the asia pacific region. Highlighted by a firm stance on competing territorial claims in the east china sea. And south china sea. Relations with taiwan and its pursuit of Economic Engagement across east asia. China which views a strong him tear as a critical element in advancing its interests will also pursue efforts aimed at fulfilling its initiative to expand chinas Strategic Influence and economic role across asia through infrastructure projects. In the interest of time and to get to your questions i will defer assessments and western hemisphere issues which i trust well discuss during the question period. However, i would like to make one final point on a Key Authority for the ic Going Forward. As you are all well aware section 702 of the fisa amendments act is due to expire at the end of the year. I cannot stress enough the importance of this authority in how the ic does its work to keep americans safe. Section 702 is an extremely effective tool to protect our nation from terrorists and other threats. As i described in my confirmation hearing, 702 is instrumental to so much of the ics critical work in protecting the American People from threats from abroad. We are committed to working with all of you to ensure that you understand not only how we use this authority but also how we protect privacy and Civil Liberties in the process. In conclusion, the Intelligence Community will continue its tireless work against these and all other threats but we will never be omniscient. All know we have extensive insight into many threats and places around the world, we have gaps in others. Therefore, we very much appreciate the support provided by your committee and will continue to work with you to ensure that the Intelligence Community has the capabilities it needs to meet its many mission needs. I will now turn to general stewart for a few brief remarks. Chairman mccain, Ranking Member reed, members of the committee, thank you for this opportunity to appear with dni coats to provide assessment of the threats to our National Security. I concur with the directors statement in its entirety. However, id like to reinforce for this committee and extension the American People your Defense Intelligence agencys view on five military threats facing the nation. We in dni call nofail mixes because the risk is too high for us to fail in pursuing the missions. They include the Nuclear Capability and increasingly provocative north korea. A resur gent russia. A modernizing china. An Ambitious International power in iran. Violent extremist category. The last in afghanistan, iraq, syria and elsewhere. The world is focused on events in pyongyang and for good reasons. Since assuming power, kim jongun conducted three Nuclear Tests and a regime tested an unprecedented number of ballistic missiles, varying ranges over the past year. Although short falls remain key milestones have been met and specific systems and continue to obtain valuable data and insights from each test. Let me be very clear on this point. If left on its current trajectory, the regime will ultimately succeed in arming a missile threatening the United States homeland. While nearly impossible to predict when this will be operational, the north korean regime is committed and is on a pathway where this capability is inevitable. Russia views military power as critical to achieving its key strategic objective and devotes significant resources to its military Modernization Program. The russian government seeks to be the center of influence in what it describes as a multipolar post west world order. To support this world view, moscow pursuing aggressive foreign and domestic policies of a full spectrum of influence aimed at challenging u. S. Interests around the globe. Out of Area Operations remain a priority as zhon straited by the ongoing deployment to syria and longrange aviation approaching u. S. Airspace. Chinas in the third decade of an unprecedented military Modernization Program involving weapons systems, doctrine, tactics, training, space and cyber operations. It now stands firmly in the category as a near peer u. S. Competitor. New bases are being built in the south china evidence and evidence suggests the outposts will be used for military purposes. A key component of the strategy for contingency is planning for potential u. S. Intervention in the region. The navy remains on a course for 350 ships by the year 2020 and antiaxis aerial denial capabilities continue to improve. Turning to iran, despite sanctions teheran is putting considerable resources into conventional military priorities such as ballistic and cruise missiles, naval systems, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, air Defense Systems that could threaten the u. S. And our interests in the region. Irans conventional military doctrine is designed to protect iran from the consequences of its assertive regional policy. Spearheaded by the Iranian Revolutionary guards force and then in concert with certain militias and the how thinks. We should expect iran to continue to undermine the current Regional Security architecture of terrorist organizations and proxies to complicate u. S. Efforts throughout the region. Finally, were making steady progress against transregional terrorism but still have a long way to go. Isis has been greatly diminished in libya. Will soon lose control of mosul and the capital in raqqah is nearly us lated. We have killed many isis and isil leaders. The trend lines are moving in the right direction but this fight will not end soon. The enemy remains highly adaptable and capable and may have opportunities to resurge. Im particularly concerned about the longterm impact of returning foreign fighters and the potential for these groups to capitalize on the proliferation of armed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to do harm to u. S. And our allied interests. Mr. Chairman, the men and women of your dia providing unique Defense Intelligence around the world and around the clock to war fighters, defense policymakers and planners and defense acquisition community. Theyre doing so on the battlefield of combatant command headquarters, here on the banks of the potomac and in the capitals of the world through our Defense Attache service. It is a privilege to serve with them and see their service and contribution to our country. I look forward to the committees questions. Thank you very much. Director coats, according to the Washington Post story this morning, President Trump asked two of the nations top intelligence officials in march to help him push back against a fbi investigation into possible coordination between his campaign and the russian government. According to current and former officials, trump made separate appeals to the director of National Intelligence, daniel coats, and to admiral mike rogers, the director of the nsa urging them to publicly deny the existence of any evidence of collusion during the 2016 elections. Coats and ronlg earls refused to comply with the request which they both deemed to be inappropriate. Is that an accurate reporting, director coats . Mr. Chairman, as a president s principle intelligence adviser, im fortunate to be able and need to spend significant amount of time with the president discussing National Security interests and intelligence as it relates to those interests. We discuss a number of topics on a very regular basis. I have always believed that given the nature of my position and the information that which we share its not appropriate for me to comment publicly on any of that. So on this topic, as well as other topics, i dont feel its appropriate to characterize discussions and conversations with the president. And isnt it true that some of these leaks can be damaging to National Security, director coats . Leaks have become a very significant played a very significant negative role relative to our National Security. The release of information not only undermines confidence in our allies but our ability to maintain secure information that we share with them. It jeopardizes sources and methods that are invaluable to our ability to find out whats going on and what those threats are. Ligt n light of lives are at stake in many instancens and leaks jeopardize those lives. Thank you. In light of the tragedy in manchester last night, doesnt it lend significant urgency to retaking raqqah where all this originates . Well, that wont solve the problem, particularly the homegrown and inspired attacks. Clearly going to the heart of isis and driving a stake through that heart, we assess will significantly improve the situation. The plotting and the planning that comes from a centralized caliphate or safe haven for isis, weve seen the damage thats occurred. We do assess, however, that its ideology and methods spread like tentacles into many places, most of them ungoverned countries and send some foreign fighters back home that might want to carry on their mission. But clearly, the strategy i believe is the right strategy and that is to go to the heart. And disperse their planning and their leadership. The defense Science Board told this committee at least in the next decade the offensive Cyber Capabilities of our most capable adversaries are likely to far exceed the United States ability to defend key cite call infrastructure. Do you agree with that assessment . I do. I do. I think cyber has risen to the top, if close to the top of one of the most serious challenges that we face. As i mentioned in my Opening Statement. We need to see this as a very significant challenge to our public safety, as well as the public health. Two years in a row we have authorized the provision of defensive lethal weapons in the Defense Authorization bill to ukraine. Do you believe we should seriously consider that in light of continued russian aggression in the country . Well, mr. Chairman, that is a little bit outside my portfolio. Its a policy decision that perhaps general stewart may want to discuss. But the we want to try to continue to provide the intelligence that would shape and fashion that decision among our policymakers, general mattis and others. Finally on the issue of cyber, right now we have no policy, nor did we for the previous eight years of the last administration. And so, therefore, without a policy we dont have a strategy. So therefore, when we dont have a strategy we dont know how ha strategy, we dont know how to act. Is that a true depiction o tf t scenario as far as isis is concerned . We need to take it seriously as we do. Our Critical Infrastructure is at risk and our personal lives are at risk and commercial communities and military and other entity that are shaping a policy and a plan to address and i think rises to top priorities. In your capacity as a director of all the Intelligence Services including many aspects of the fbi, are you aware of such investigation . Well, i am aware of the investigations that are under way, now special counsel. In the fbi . Yes. Do you have any reasons to agree the appropriateness of the investigation . No, i think investigation are in place to get in the right conclusion to see if we can move on with a known result. There are other allegations in the article that suggests that either the president or the white house personnel contacted other people in the Intelligence Community with request to drop the investigation into general flynn, are you aware of any other contacts not just yourself personally but others in the Intelligence Community conducting the activity . I am not aware of it. You have and general steward painted specific issues. Let me raise two different issues. One, with respect to iraq, there is discussions of rem rferendum the kurdish, in your estimation, what would that do to the ability of the iraqis government to come together after the devices. It certainly adds an issue thats going to need to be work through as complicated as the situation is. It would add one more complication. I would turn to general steward relatively of the military aspect of that. One side is defeated in mosul. The greatest challenge of the iraqis government is to reconcile the differences of the shea dominated government and zuni out west and the kurdish in the north. To address those challenges, coming up the political solution will ultimate resolve conflicts among all parties to resolve this and going back to what could evolve into civil strikes in iraq. Those are significant challenges. Kurdish independence is on a trajectory where it is probably not if but when. It will complicate the situation unless there is an agreement in baghdad and an agreement that all parties can live with. This is a significant referendum that comes in october this year. For a moment going back, i understand that you cannot comment in any communications dwe between you and the president. Hype hypothetically, would you think thats appropriate . Mr. Vice chairman, i admit a player in my confirmation hearing before the Senate Select Committee Intelligence that my role in the role of director of National Intelligence is to provide information, intelligence information relevant to policymakers so that they can base their judgments on that. Any political shaping of that presentation or intelligence would not be appropriate. I have made my position clear on that to this administration and i intend to make that decision. Thank you, mr. Director. Director coats, you made a couple of brief comments of manchester last night and you responded to a couple of questions. Is there anything that you would like to elaborate on that incident last night when we have witness after witness coming in here talking about the threat which you have talked about to this country. Thest only a matter of time. Anything else you would like to add in terms of last nights attack . Well, in any discussions of my counter parts in london, mi5 and mi6, my counter part to my position, their greatest concerns was the inspired or home grown violent extremist attack. It is very hard to assess and detect initial reports that we have received or that it was indeed a Suicide Attack where there is other implicated in that is under assessment. My could wanter part will be boarding to a plane to come to the United States to testify before which committee it is. I will have information on that. I have a call into try to see what the latest information is. So you had conversations of the consensus happening this morning . Pardon . You had conversations with these counter parts since this happens . Well, i have my colleagues in the ic have been talking with my direct discussion and counter part, he was briefing the Prime Minister at the time. We had a call on north korea. This is a great concern and already was a concern to us, now, i understand and i have heard from different witnesses that intelligence gathering in north korea is more difficult than it is in other parts of the world that you cannot use whistle blowers and other things. When you talk about difficulty that is unique to north korea in gathering information. It is. One of the hardest and the hardest collection a natio nation we have to collect against. If you look at that satellite pictures from the satellite, there is one dark area with no lights on. Thats north korea. Their broad band is extremely limited. So, using that as an access to collection is we get limited results. We do not have constant consistent isr capabilities so there are gaps. North koreans know about these. So, it is it becomes a difficult challenge and society as close and isolated. I know thats a problem and it has last hearing that we had, we talked quite a bit in details about the fact that we know north korea, the big problem is it is unpredictable. We have things there that are not elsewhere. They talked about danger thats there. They did also say and in the last hearing that we had last week, they talked about maybe one of the opportunities we had is a new awakening in china. China is now may no longer be as close to them as have been in the past. You see an opportunity unnoticed when you went over to do an excellent job. But, you did not say anything about maybe a change it will enable us to make a little bit of progress to north korea. As you know the president has a positive meeting with Prime Minister xi jinping. We have been working secretary of state and working closely with the chinese. We see them as playing an role in dealing with the situation in north korea. This is a strategy in place relative to sort of an effort of china influencing north korea to decease their Nuclear Weapons, goals. That along with the election in south korea and new president , it is part of our strategy to leverage against north korea to get them reassess their current strategy thank you, director coats. Thank you mr. Chairman and thank you both for being here this morning. Director coats. You talked about russians influence campaign and its effort to under mind the elections as we are seeing here and in france and germany. We have failed to hold russia accountable for that interference. Would you agree sending a message to other countries that would threaten our Cyber Security here at home that we failed hold russia accountable . We are looking at every opportunity to hold russia accountable and determining what kind of action we should take. There clearly is a consensus that russia has mellowed in our election process as it is in germany. I was in france jurks afte after just after the election of macon. Attempting to address that election, i was in berlin, germanys facing the same thing, the uk is experiencing the same thing with election coming up. We see this happening all across europe. Russia is always doing this kind of things. Theyre doing it much more sophisticated through the use of cyber and other techniques. I have not tried to influence the outcome of our elections in the past the same way they did in 2016 as we heard from our Intelligence Community. Do you think it will be helpful for congress to pass increase sanctions on russia that would be a response to what they did in our elections . There is a bipartisan bill in congress thats been introduced that would have a Significant Impact on russia. Well, i would lead that to my former colleagues. I had to remove my policy hat which is not easy after a career in politics and putting on my intelligence hat. My goal, job now is to provide you the intelligence to make those decisions. I keep on having to correct myself, whoops, i am not supposed to go there. Thats not to our executive and Congressional Branch to make the policy that they feel necessary to address the problem. I hope that the administration will come out with the proposal thatll hold russia accountable at some point in the near term. Let me ask you about pointing to the events of last night in manchester of that horrible tragedy and the threat posed by Trans National terrorism, both of you have talked about that. I think that points to the need for robust intelligence sharing so what kind of message does it send to our allies that we have revelations and classified information was disclosed in a meeting with secretary lavrov. This is an issue thats been raised with me by a high ranking official from one of our closest allies that whether their country could count on information that was shared with us would be kept in secrets. One of the purposes of my trip was to ensure that we maintain that kind of relationship that you are talking about. It is essential given the threats that we face today that we are all in. I am dealing with this issue. There is no safe haven anymore among our allies in terms of being a target for an attack and the better we can share information, the better we can maintain our relationships and trust those relationships the better we are to prevent these kinds of attacks. I would say these two things. One, we have significant successes providing information back and forth relative to presenting attacks. Secondly, to a country that consensus is the most difficult attack to prevent is that which is inspired by an individual. Sure. I think the members of this by someone who has hatred and do damage. I dont want to interrupt, director coats. All of us in the committee understands that. I am about out of time. I want to ask you have you reassure our men and women in the Intelligence Committee that their work protecting the country and the relationships will be safe guarded . Absolutely. My initial message to all of the Intelligence Community is do your job. Provide us the best intelligence of any entity in the world, keep your focus on what we are here to do and i am confident thats what is happening. We remained focused and nothing has changed. Our relationships and partners have grown. I have seen no indications of partners are walking away with us and sharing insights on threats around the world. None. Thank you. We are very worried. Thank you mr. Chairman, i want to thank both gentlemen being here today and your service to our country. General patel and nicholson testified of news of taliban. Recent news suggests that weapons have increasing. What do each of you assess russias goals to be in afghanistan and generally if you can also discuss the impact that this assistance has had on the battlefie battlefield . Russia continues to view itself as i mentioned earlier as global power. It is going to be influencing actions around the world. Its narrative is isis is in the province. Thats their argument. It is a pretty weak argument. They use that argument as the avenue to get the Taliban Forces to fight isis. Theyre in confrontation with taliban and they offered some level of support. I have not seen real physical evidence of weapons or money being transferred. They have had conversations because they want to be part of the solution, solutions in the afghan theater. Theyre going to continue to med el. Director. Well, i am privileged to be able to serve with general stewart. One of the great things about this job that i inherited is a group of people that experienced in the area that they direct and they have been enormously supportive and helpful. It points out the fact tha that it was passed in 2005 and has really enbbenefited in terms of our ability to reach out 16 agencies to collect information necessary to integrate that into coherent and effective intelligence assessment. Would you agree with the general assessment involvement . I agree with that. Thank you. Both of you know that increasing investments are being made by other nations with regard to Nuclear Forces especially russians and china. Director and general, how does that discussion of the escalate to deescalate approach affected change in the russian thinking or planning with respect to the use of Nuclear Weapon. Nuclear capabilities with the intent of using it on the high end of conflict, war termination or deescalate or some people calling it escalate to terminate the idea that if the crisis is going in a decidedly negative way for russians that the tactical use for the russians will discourage, the idea of tactical usage causing us to pause and think about whether we want to continue to fight and create the opportunity where we can settle the contest in more r favorable terms. They do have that built into their operational concept. We have seen them exercise those ideas because it could escalate to further escalate. Have you seen indications they have changing their path on it at all . No, no senator. With regards to china and their modernization efforts, do you see any of their views with techniques weapons. Do you see any of their views changing . Certainly Nuclear Weapons in modernization of Nuclear Force is an integral part. China continues to modern size all levels including capability to deter u. S. Forces from entering the western pacific. They dont talk about it first use but they do talk about Nuclear Weapons apart of the war fight. Despite the heroic and really credible efforts by fothe forme senator towards minimizing and redu reducing the use of Nuclear Weapons of the success we had in libya and success we had in ukraine and Lessons Learned have been if have your weapons, never give them up because it is a deterrence from actors who may want to interfere if our country. We see whats happening in ukraine and probably would not have happened if they maintain Nuclear Weapon capability. We see thats happening in north korea. We believe the regime survival is dependant solely on Nuclear Power. So we tend to be moving in the wrong direction as countries around the world think that are gaining Nuclear Capabilities is a protection either a deterrence for survivor of their country or potentially could be use for offensive capabilities. If i can follow up with you later mr. Director, i would appreciate it, thank you. Director coats, will you make those documents available to special Counsel Robert Mueller and the Congressional Committee . I have no documents to make of. Um in an opinion piece in the New York Times last week called israel the eyes and ears of the United States in the middle east when it comes to the intelligence, would you agree to that assessment . Israel is valued and partnered in terms of supporting us and any number of ways including intelligence sharing. The piece suggests that President Trump information received from israel could do damage, without speaking to President Trump, may have revealed to former minister lavrov and i am not seeing any evidence of that or any reporting relative to any thing that would lead to that conclusion. With regard the documents whether they exist or not, if you get called in front of the Intelligence Committee, will you share your conversations with President Trump in that hearing or setting . I do believe that information and discussions that i had with the president are something that should not be disclosed. I certainly provide them of what i know and what i dont know. Reports indicate that moscow is a lifeline of pyongyang that may under mind International Pressure please describe what you can tell us of the extensive of russia ties to north korea. Can you describe to us in this open setting of the extent of russias ties to north korea . That is something that i think i would rather reserve for a classified session. Researchers at conspiracy lab found of ransom ware attack to north korea cyber operatives, the threat is clear and present. To the threat that the country poses to us and our allies, have you think of the most recent attacks and if it was, did the North Koreans bit ffit into you plan . I am so r arrry, would you s that question again . How did you think of this recent attack if it was by the koreans fit into their plans . We dont have evidence to confirm that. There is been that link, we do know north korea possesses the capabilities. We are still assessing what the source is. Do you feel we are prepared to meet cyber challenges from north korea and others . Engagement in terms of how we deal with cyber and the threats that it opposes to us. The questions that was asked earlier and i agree. This is a reason, not the most significant threat of the United States at this current time. We ought to, our policymakers need to be fully engage in how we deal with these defenses and offensive way of addressing this particular issue. I have been out wardly, i have been out spoken and relative to the need to do this. Well continue to provide as much intelligence as we can. Do you believe that our voting infrastructure is Critical Infrastructure and do you believe that we should have a National Security plan so that each of the state have to be certified for cyber compliance and resilience si. I think it is two relevant issues that should be thought throu through, in terms of how we best address that. On the Critical Infrastructure side, we are so interconnected now that it poses a major threat to the United States and our individual states also. Thank you there chairman. Gentlemen, first of all, thank you for your service in our country. Director coats, you began a conversation that responds to general fishers question. You made an interesting statement is that what we are learning is that if you have Nuclear Weapons, you keep them and if you do not have it, you get them. Many of our allies have dependant upon arrangements or agreements with the United States which we are carrying Nuclear Weapons and we in many cases are responsible for carrying that Nuclear Deterrence which keeps Nuclear Weapons out of other countrys hands but it requires a responsibility for us. You suggested something here thats critical. Those countries out there are learning a different understanding of the world that perhaps is not consistent with our message to them. Could you elaborate on this in terms of analysis of the information and why is that you believe right now that is their believe that if i have them and they keep them and if they dont have them, they need to get them. It is a personal assessment of mine. I was not quoting an Intelligence Community report. It appears that based on what happens in past years relative to the Nuclear Capability question, that is it due to a policy that was not followed up on . No. Was it something that we failed to follow up onto reassure our allies. Thats a relevant question that you asked. I dont know if i have the answer. I do know that i dont know, i believe that and have heard some of the narratives out there relative to a situation in ukraine has led some thinking along the regard of and watching whats happening in north korea and how we have basically linked Nuclear Weapon even possession and capability and even by amending the constitution to declare themselves in nuclear state. Would it be fair to say for those who are allies would be appropriate for us to reenforce policy revisions and defense of their own security where we have made that commitment would be appropriate . I think it would be appropriate. I think we want to reassure the policy allies that we have the capabilities to provide that. At the same time, we are basically saying that we have the upper game whether it is conventional or whatever because these threats are real and having the capability to address these, i would like to turn into general stewart. If i can offer this, i think our allies are comfortable with the arrangements. The protection that comes from our nuclear up mbrella. Rope states are looking for anything thatll guarantee their survival and hold on power. One of those things that they believe, guarantees, to have Nuclear Device that can threaten neighbors or United States. General, you would not consider ukraine a rope state, would you . No. You must have thought process there and i would consider them to be about ally of ours. I dont know if they fall in the ally category to be honest. I dont know if we have an alliance with the ukraine. The fact that they gave up much of their capabilities as part of the disarmament putting them in greater risks and pressure for the government. Right now they wish they they had some lethal to go back to senator mccain, some lethal capabilities that can hold that is risk. You are suggesting that they have strong belief that we would respond and you do not see our allies who do not have Nuclear Weapons thats fuelling that our policies are clear and our resolve is clear as well . Thats a fair statement, sir. I agree with that assessment. I was not attempting to suggest otherwise but rope states and marginal states are i think theyre on a different level than that. Thank you mr. Chairman. If you are asked by those details by bob mueller, will you be forthcoming . Yes, i will. You said earlier, lives are at stake and leaks jeopardize those lives. If the president held any position in our government, what he told the russians can be considered the mother of all leaks. Was it dangerous for the president to share that class y classified information with the russian government . Well, i was not in the room and i dont know what the president shared. All i have read was public you have not discussed this. All you have read is the public reports . First of all, i have been on travel. You have been on travel . And i have not discussed this issue with the president. I find it troubling. Well, i was in europe and he was at the white house. Can you describe what intelligence information can be shared . Well, we work through a process. I cannot specifically describe that process today. I am new to the job, weeks in. But, there are procedures and processes in place that i am happy to get back to you. Did the Trump Administration under go that Agency Clearance process prior to the president s meeting with the russian government. Im i have no awareness of that. So if they did, you are not aware of . I am not aware of it. Thats disappointing. Shifting gear, i have got another question that i want to get to the bottom of having to do with whether or not the office of the director of National Intelligence has received any guidance from the Trump Administration. Either written or verbally that the odni or other agencies for that matter is not to respond to over siting of members of congress. I am not aware of that information. No information to say that they only respond to chairs and Ranking Members . To my knowledge, no. Mr. Chairman, i am going to yield back. Thank you gentleman for being here today. Director coates, an announcemen from the president of afghanistan shortly. What i hope we dont hear is an accelerated plan of what we have been doing in afghanistan. I do hope that we see some new ideas and hopefully the plan that we see is one thatll take into account broader strategic problem and something that we all understand and know is that we can not address terrorist groups and afghanistan on the ground without airing their safe havens in pakistan. And so my question to you, what step do we need to see neighbors take to help stabilize that region and how do we make sure they are following through. Well, once again, we provide the intelligence relative to the policymaking. To directly answer your question, certainly in evaluation of how we work with pakistan to address the situation of the harboring of terrorist groups would be essential to a strategy that affects afghanistan Going Forward in afghanistan. Because that is potential of a disrupting situation putting our troops of risk and under minding the strategy of dealing with the taliban and local groups that are trying to under mind the government. It is a clear link that i think would have to be addressed in conjunction with whatever thats done in afghanistan. General stewart, i had the pleasure flying in afghanistan with you during thanksgiving time. It is good to catch up with you. Besides more troops which i anticipate the plan that well see, do we need the implement different strategies on the ground than in afghanistan. Thank you, senator, i hate to talk about either policy or strategy not just let me frame the response this way. Pakistan views afghanistan, a desire for afghanistan of some of the things we want, safe security, stable afghanistan. One condition, one does not have heavy indian influence in afghanistan. They view all challenges through the lens of an indian threat to the state of pack san. They call in reserve, terrorist organization. They hold them in reserve so that if afghanistan leans towards indian, theyll no not so we got to get a couple of things. One very clear that afghanistans security is in the interest of all of the parties in the region and does not pose a threat to pakistan. We got to convince pakistan that if they are harboring any of the county Network Members that it is not in their continuing the host of network that we ought to be working together to go after those terrorist organizations that under mind not just afghanistan and pakistan but all of the region. We got to make sure we are pushing them to do more against the network. They separate the taliban from the we got to get the conversations going again with pakistan of their role of not harboring any of these terrorists and helping the stabilized afghanistan. And, i think maybe well have some progress. They also have some influences in bringing the parties to the table. We got to get them thinking of the reckonciliation and status quo is not in their best interest. Do you think we can frame intelligence in a way that would state we need pakistan to be a good friend, in in order for the United States to be a good friend. I am hoping for that in weeks thank you, i yield back my time thank you, i appreciate both witnesses are here. We feel more safe in your country having you in that position. In february, north korea tested a solid fuel missile that caught the u. S. By surprise. North korea tested missiles that they say is capable of carrying a Nuclear War Head. I would prefer not to talk about that in this segment, general. I was just about to say that. Same thing. Okay, general, can you speak to what technological hurdles that north korea need to over come to make a Nuclear War Head to capable of reaching the u. S. . The technical hurdle remains in the survival of the reentry platform. They certainly demonstrated a range of am range of ami missiles and fuel s and boosters. They have the capabililility of space launch if modified could have in inter continue l range. They understand the physics, it is just a matter of design. Do you hear sometimes that folks almost smiled that they had a failure or something in their testing. To me, i want to check with you and the way of learning is by trying and by doing. The fact it is a failure, it is not a failure for koreans, they are learning all the time. Would you agree with that . Not only they are learning with every test, but they are in covered by some of the challenges we have in our safety and acquisition program. Theyll take greater risks. So the time line where we would see things based on our models will take serch yeaven years. Theyre not incumbent by some of the bureaucrat i cic burden tha have. Can you speak to their capability to use Nuclear Weapon against south korea where we have 30,000 troops stationed or japan where we have 50,000 troops stationed. I would not want to answer that. Thank you. Let me ask you about something else, that would be the chinese and their efforts and decisions made by kim jongun. Have you seen or are you aware of this, of this situation that we have here and then as a follow up on that, what do you this i is or the kind of steps that china can take that may can get kim jonguns attention . C we certainly have been able to get their attention and they have taken some steps at this point. They have not produced the results that we have hoped. Secretary tillis have said that defiances is a series of steps relative to increasing pressure on north korea. At early stages of that. So, clearly chinas engagement in helping us addressing this issue is critical. Deemed that way and continuing to work with the chinese in that regard and beyond that i would think, the opportunity to address that to secretary tillerson, i mentioned a lot of my colleagues. I knew what you meant. Tillerson to get a better detail of what we are trying to do. Clearly, hichina needs to play role. I equated you with the secretary of state, you are smiling s so i am not sure if you want that job anyway. Um the ability, it is publicly stated that china has rejected some imports from north korea of some what significant efforts. There is a question of oil that just provided and other Economic Issues. It falls on my category and more of the secretary of state category. Thank you both, thank you mr. Chairman. I thank you both for comp compelling testimonies. When it comes to russia, the former director said today russia interfered to the 2016 election, do both of you agree with that . I agree with high confidence that there was a significa significansignificant do you agree with that, general . Yes, sir. Iran, the president said, this morning i think in israel that iran will not be allowed to get Nuclear Weapon. Director coats, do you believe that the current agreement with iran regarding Nuclear Program will accomplish this goal . No, it was made clear that it would not accomplish this goal and accomplishing deferment relative to their having a free handed Nuclear Capabilities. Do you agree with that general . The efforts and i dont see any indication that iran is pursuing breaking out of that deal at this point. The question is does the accomplish felt denying of capability . It does not ultimately forever. It defers for 10 years for the understanding agreement. Okay, iran, do you agree it is more aggressive in the agreements in terms of activities in the region . We have seen a lot of align efforts on the part of iran that are very provacative. Confirmation of the last 90 days, certification that has to be signed every 90 days relative to the iranian compliance and the jcpoa, while the intelligence do not suggest a breach that would deny and confirming that. And more aggressive in the region. Absolutely more aggressive. Do you believe in that. I dont know, i would not say a more aggressive, their action in syria was the same. What about yemen . In yemen, thats picked up. Would you say theyre stabilizing force in the region . Absolutely. Is there any indication they take into sanctions and money and putting in road schools and hospitals. That would be impossible to detect . Is thatll be impossible to detect. Some of the money thats gained is gone to the military. T is iran a greater threat or lesser threat since the agreement or the same . I would say based on the agreement ad. I am not sure if i can assess that. How do you get on the ballot to run for president in iran. Looks like you can get on the ballot but get kicked off. Who has the final say of getting on the ballot . Supreme court leader. Nobody on the ballot wanted more. North korea, is it the policy of the United States stopping north korea from developing any Nuclear Weapon on the top that can hit america or policy of the United States to contain that threat and trying to shoot it down if they launch it. It is the policy of the United States to prevent it. Do you agree with that, john stewart . Yes, sir. Is that correct . Certainly not and not removing any of the options. Isil. Our strategy taking iraq back has a heavy alliance. Are you both familiar with that . Yes. Do you agree that it would be better if we have more arabs in the fight and less kurds from the regional point of view. I think jonah mattgeneral mae best to answer that question. Is that being driven by policy it contributes to it. Do either one of you know anything about bit coin . You know i tried to figure out what was, i never got any good answer, at least one that i could comprehend. I am still using dollars than coins. Could you do at me a favor and look at that issue whether or not you believe bit coin will become the currency of terrorists and criminals down the road. We would be happy to look into that. There is some indications thats being used for that purpose. We can give you an assessment of that. Sequestration would be disaster for both of your agency if you kick back in. It will cut into real capability. Same for you . It is a little difficult to answer that question relative to the community as a whole. But, it would depend on whether it is supplemental measures of resources thats available. Thank you both. On behalf of general cane. I want to take up another area of a serious threat in our security and Economic Issues around the world. Thats Climate Change. Human activities are releasing Greenhouse Gas and contributing to Climate Change. A Defense Department wil will global claimaimate chan. Over the foreseeable future because it will aggravate existing problems such as poverty and social tension and leadership and weak political institutions. This dod reports describing Climate Change as a threat multipler. Director coats, do you agree . I dont know if i would describe it as a threat multiplier. Although our job is simply to assess the consequences of potential changes climate relatively to my duration and humanitarian issues. The science falls to falls to other federal agent. Thats the question i am there are certainly and i think there is always history in the world been reactions to different Climate Changes and it is an issue that cons. The department of defense, report has identified that Climate Change exacerbates, ak vaccina aggravates. This is their problemproblems. Do you disagree with any of those . I think thats been an ongoing issue throughout the agency. Well, let me ask the question this way then. How should we be integrating Climate Change risks in our National Security strategy . We should be assessing what the consequences of changes that are relevant to security issues. That should be apart of the assessment and it is. Well, Climate Change is clearly a threat to International Peace and security. I think it is critically important that we take this seriously and we adapt accordingly. Let me ask you another question, this is a question that others have asked about interference o f the russians in our reelection and now other elections you talked about. You talked about this in your Opening Statement. The question that i want to ask about is, we all agree that interference by foreign actors of our democratic process is unacceptable. That does not seem like we are doing enough about it. My question, director coats, what more do we need to do to make sure the u. S. Is officially prepared to defend against russian style cyber attack on our elections and that could escalate to attempted manipulation or Voting Machines or registration roles and on 2018 and 2020 elections. Thats a matter for those of you sitting in dialysis. What has happening and the response to what has happened is something executive so you dont have any decisiveness . My job is to provide the j l intelligence. Can i ask it differently . Do you think we should address our election directly state and local officials . I think thats something we should do. Anybody thats trying to under mind Democratic Institutions of United States, it ought to be addressed. Thank you. Recently, your predecessor, clamz clapper said, our election apparatus should be considered crate cal structure and should have the attention on that. I think hes right on this, protecting of vulnerability should be our strategy. I am agree with that. Glood, i am glad to hear that. We do not have assessment of any of our Voting Machines are tampered. I understand your point. Thank you senator reed, and director coats, it is great to see you here. There are times when i missed you. Not all somedays. General, just a quick follow up question. To what ex pend tetent do you t isis and north korea and china. The threats that they represent today are inspired by their concerns of Climate Change. Based on your intelligence self. I have not seen sbanything o the intelligence official officials thank you. We have a vote coming up. I want to go back to my Opening Statement. Director coats, you were talking about section 702. Can you give us some sense of republican assumption of how that tool has been used to identify real threats and potentially intervening o f bad actions taken place. Leads us to a potential foreign source, then examination of that in terms of what they might be planning to do, who they may be talking to in terms of accomplishing an attack on the United States, has been an invaluable piece of information that has prevent many, many attacks. As i mentioned earlier, it is also to the great graduate of our allies in europe and elsewhere, prevented numerous, numerous threats that could have turned into disastrous attacks. And so its been a very essential element of our collection process. We obviously, as we all know, were talking here about foreign n nonu. S. Persons that have bad intentions towards the United States. It may be those persons are connecting with someone here in the United States. And we want to make sure what is being transferred in that regard. And during that process, its possible that u. S. Citizens names are mentioned in an email, mentioned in a verbal way. And that then is we give immediate attention to what we call minimization, and that is we want to make sure were not doing collecting on those persons. The program has adapted to ensure that we provide privacy protections for u. S. Persons. There is a process that we go through, minimization being one of those. We also have oversight. Its the most overseen effort that the United States has against any policy matter or agency in government. All three branches have oversight capability in the program to ensure the privacy of individuals. So i think theres a lot of misunderstanding about what 702 is and what it isnt. But we have scheduled and will continue to schedule specific meetings with the relevant committees in the congress to describe exactly what is done and what is not done, and make sure the public itself is fully aware of the importance of the program but also the privacy protections that have been put upon it and the oversight. Would it be fair to say if we fail to reauthorize it, even if we address some of the concerns that came up with the unmasking of maybe u. S. Citizens, but would it be fair to say that if we fail to reauthorize 702, its probably going to lead to disastrous consequences . I believe it would. And i think a lot of americans would die unnecessarily. Thank you. Thank you very much. On behalf of senator ma chai massachusetma senator mccain, senator peters, please. Thank you very much. The primary tool that we use is to block or mitigate Foreign Investments that pose a National Security risk is the committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, both of you i know are very familiar with us. The Intelligence Community place a key role in informing committee decisions. Based on its current mandate, however, it reviews transactions just on a casebycase basis rather than a strategic assessment of acquisitions or acquirers. And only those transactions that involve a controlling interest by foreign investors. However, as weve seen recently and continue to see on a regular basis, other transaction types such as joint ventures and minority investments, also can result in the transfer of key technologies that are outside of cfius jurisdiction. At the same time, the Intelligence Community cfius workload is also increasing rapidly, a workload marked by increased Chinese Investment in the very technologies that are a key to u. S. Innovation and military advantage, including autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, robotics, virtual reality, as well as gene editing. So mr. Coats, my question is, cfius remains a voluntary process which underscores the importance of the Intelligence Community to identifying both unreported and nonnotified transactions that may pose a National Security risk. What are some of the challenges in finding the Technical Expertise necessary to understand and resolve potential National Security implications across this very diverse threat spectrum . I would like general stewart to address this also. This issue has been raised, and it is under consideration. And i think your questions are very valid relative to the current status of cfius and whether or not adjustments need to be made. Relative to finding the right technical capabilities to assess this, we are in contest with the private sector. The private sector that offers significantly higher compensation for the people they hire, and probably a better work schedule. Nevertheless, some of we are blessed with people who are who want to give service to their government, and to work longer hours with lesser pay, but bring technical capabilities. We are out trying to recruit these people constantly. Whether youre talking about admiral rogers and National Security agency, or other of our agencies. We need to understand that at a certain point, to gain the kind of technical capabilities that we need, we may have to look at our salary structure, because just about every Major Corporation in america now, whether its cyber or other issues, are looking to find people with these capabilities. Nothing is more important than, you know, protecting the safety of americans. And thats the first responsibility of government. So i do think in two areas, on the basis of what you have said, we ought to do a significant review of the current cfius situation to bring it up to speed, number one, and then look at how we can get the best and the brightest to be able to help us with that. Before you answer, general, so i can take from your answer that we need to really fully examine the cfius authorization and have a top to bottom review of that, would you agree, general, as well as, general, if you would also respond to the fact that right now you have considerable workload before you now that continues to expand, and how that reauthorization may be necessary to help you. I wasnt trying to give vince more work. Yes, so china has approached legal or legal transfer of technology, transfer of knowledge, acquiring corporate sector, private sector industry to get that technology, insertion of students into the upstream development of technology and the capabilities. So yes, all of that needs to be reviewed, especially in light of the fact voluntary primarily and the workload continues to grow. We did 174 cfius cases last year. Were on a pace for 250 this year. And no growth built in. So this is going to get harder, more demanding, and were going to lose opportunities if we dont review the authorization. Great. Thank you, gentlemen. Thank you. On behalf of the chairman, senator perdue, please. Thank you both for being here. General stewart, you said in your opening remarks weve gone from a one plus one strategy in our military to today we have a four plus one, you just mentioned five, north korea, russia, china, iran, extremists. On top of that we have cyber and space. The question i have, and im sort of a bottom line guy, i want to talk about china and russia, our two symmetric contrarian threats, i believe. China is spending right now next year or this year, its projected in real equivalent purchasing power parity terms, theyll spend 826 billion on their military. We have the Smallest Navy since world war i and the smallest and oldest air force ever. Sir, in your mind what is chinas purpose in this massive buildup that they are in the midst of right now . The purpose, number one, to be able to fight and win in the pacific. Would you say theyre on parity with us in the pacific today . Does your intelligence reveal that . In some aspects, and i wont talk about them here, theres parity. In some aspects were still far superior. We look at them in all domains. Space, cyberspace, sea, and surface. So were competing in all those domains. Primary objective, fight and win in the pacific, be prepared if the United States entered a conflict in the pacific, and increase the cost of any of our actions in the pacific. Are you concerned about the pla reorganization in china and what effect does our intelligence say it will have on our ability to stand up to them . So they not only continue to reorganize, they continue to refine tactics, they continue to refine doctrine. We have not seen them do the major end to end full scale rehearsal that says all of those pieces are stitched together in a real war fighting capability. Theyre building pieces, but its not fully integrated. Director, its hard to call you director, but im glad i can, thank you. Today africa is a major involvement for china, economically, militarily. Theyre building a base right now in gentlemdjibouti. What does your intelligence say their objective is in africa . The chinese are expanding their influence globally. They are looking at areas of the world that you wouldnt necessarily think a Regional Power like china would want to be engaged in. But whether its africa, whether its latin america, whether its any number of places, the chinese are making substantial investments and sometimes linking that, as you mentioned, with djibouti and building a base there. I think they view that as a part of their Long Term Strategy to become a global power, not just a Regional Power. And they have expended an extraordinary amount of investment. Their one belt road situation give us them expedited access to europe but access also to the indian ocean region and the middle east. So theyve been very aggressive in pursuing those types of initiatives. I think with the Long Term Strategy in mind of being a global power. General, russia if i could, one belt, one road is about getting access to resources and access to markets. And if you have access to resources, access to markets, youve got to build infrastructure to defend your economic lifeline. I would to get to russia. History says the country with the largest and strongest economy will have the largest and strongest military. Today chinas economy is on parity with the u. S. When adjusted for purchasing power parity. They have a much stronger growth rate. I think thats one of the things we have to deal with. I want to move to russia very quickly, i only have a minute left. General, russia in the last five years has drastically changed their global footprint. In your mind, what does our intelligence say that russia intends to do with that encircling of that part of the world with those major basis, now warm water and cold water . The encirclement, as you describe it, the western antiaxis barrier, runs from the arctic through the bering through crimea, is to break out of the encirclement, their words, caused by nato countries in their near and abroad. Again, the antiaxis denial capability is to increase the cost of any u. S. Nato action against russia and to protect and give them buffer space. I dont think theyre done. I think they would like to extend that barrier down through the mediterranean. Im worried about actions that they might take in libya to increase that barrier. But that is about breaking out of the nato encirclement. Thank you, sir. Thank you. On behalf of chairman mccain, senator mccaskill, please. Thank you, mr. Chairman. I was pleased that the president went to an arab nation, a muslim country, as his first visit, signaling to the world that we want to have allies in the muslim world, that this is very important. My question to the two of you a are, are we sending enough signals like that to the American Muslim Community . I think i have a heard you all and others that have jobs like yours in our government say that the biggest threat is the radicalization of people that are legally in this country, not syrian refugees, not people traveling here from other countries, but what we have seen is the radicalization of people that either are american citizens or are legally in the country and have been for some time. So do you all feel comfortable that were doing enough to reach out to the American Muslim Community, especially for personnel, that we can use as maybe our most valuable assets in terms of what you all need to do within the Intelligence Community . I dont have an assessment of how were reaching out to the American Muslim Community in general. I can say relative to our Intelligence Community, we realize that the diversity of ethnic, cultural, any number of ways, is important for us to understand the world that we live in, and get a better understanding from people who bring different assessments and different cultures and give us the diversity we need to fully understand whats going on. Thats very much a part of our recruitment. What worries me is in america there are too many people ive talked to, wonderful american muslims who are very feel very disconnected right now. And there is a tendency when that happens to internalize and not come forward, and especially if they have some concerns about somebody being radicalized. Do you all share that concern and are you all taking steps with the Intelligence Community to deal with that concern . Well, we do not see that as the role of the Intelligence Community, except in the area of, as i described, how we hire, promote, train, and incorporate people from different cultures, different ethnic backgrounds. Let me interrupt you just for a second, director. When you see evidence that someone might be radicalized through the gathering of intelligence here in america, do you hand that intelligence off to someone who could then circle around to people within that Muslim Community and that geographical area to try to get confirmation or additional evidence that would allow us to put people in prison like we did naseer when we thwarted his effort on the new york subway system and hes in our prisons now for 40 years . Well, the fbi is in a way is a part of the intelligence system. But theres a division between the investigatory and potential criminal activity that the fbi has control over relative to the intelligence aspect of the fbi. So thats something that if information is garnered, its passed on to the fbi to determine whether or not there is investigation or potential criminal element in play. Okay. Let me briefly, because i only have a minute left, im worried about chemical weapons in north korea. Can you all open source reporting has indicated that kim jong uns half brother may have been assassinated with gas. There are those the Nuclear Threat initiative has indicated they have 5,000 metric tons of chemical weapons in north korea. Can you confirm that vx was used to kill kim jong uns half brother . Thats something i would have to get back to you with. We train on chemical weapon defenses at ft. Wood, i know that with the proximity so many millions of people in south korea, in the delivery of potentially vx could be in such a way that it could be devastating. Im wondering if we have enough assets, admiral harris is trying to check to see if we have assets on the ground as it relates to chemical weapons. Chemical weapons is assessed to be part of the north korean arsenal. If theres any other information you all can provide me on that in terms of our capabilities in terms of defense of that, i would be very appreciative. Thank you both for your service to our country. Thank you very much. Because of the pending vote, i must depart. Let me recognize senator sullivan and ask him to further recognize members if the chairman does not return. Okay, mr. Chair. Im going to go vote myself after these questions. Okay. Then let me go ahead and recognize senator sullivan, then senator king, then senator kaine, unless there is a republican member who intervenes, then that person will be recognized. Senator blumenthal also. Ill try to get back here as quickly as i can. Senator sullivan, please. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Gentlemen, thank you for your testimony. Director coats, great to see you. I appreciate your focus in your written statement on the north korean icbm threat with regard to Nuclear Weapons. Its obviously a new direct threat to the United States. Theres been testimony across the board in terms of our military and intelligence officials public testimony that its no longer a matter of if but when kim jong un is going to have the capability to hit not just a state like mine, alaska or hawaii which are much closer in range, but the lower 48 continental United States with an intercontinental Ballistic Nuclear missile at some point. I and a number of members of the committee, bipartisan, introduced a bill yesterday looking at significantly enha e enhancing and advancing our homeland missile defense. But i would like to get your sense in terms of the estimates. What do you think the estimates are with regard to when kim jong un will be able to have this capability . I think its a very important question. I know that you dont have a precise date, but i think that the American People need to know its probably a lot sooner than most people anticipate. Can you give us a range of, you know, a window of when you think that capability is going to exist for this very unstable leader who has threatened to shoot Nuclear Missiles at our homeland . I would like to be able to general stewart, we would both like to talk to you about that in a classified session manner. We certainly assess that this is the intent of north korea and kim jong un, its been publicly stated that they would like to have intercontinental Nuclear Capability that could reach the United States, they are on that goal. Relative to exactly where we are and what and when of course is dependent on their testing and ability. As i testified in my Opening Statement here, that they have not reached that capability yet. Right. But theres been public testimony from military leaders, intel leaders, that theyre going to get it. Not if, but when. So i know that we have estimates. I know that some of them are classified. I actually just think its very useful to let the American People know. This isnt 15 years off. This isnt ten years off. General, can you give us an estimate, just, you know, within a couple of years . Its actually a really important issue. People are going to wake up to it someday relatively soon. And this is an enormous threat. And i think the more were able to be public about it, the better. So let me just repeat, its been stated in open testimony a number of times before this committee, its going to happen, its going to happen, hes going to have that capability. Can you just give us a window of what the best estimates are on that intel . As i said this earlier, left unchecked its going to happen. I would not how about a window . If i gave you a window, it would be potential to reveal the insights that we have on the capability. So we wont do that here. But it is inevitable if left unchecked. Let me turn to iran. You know, under the iran nuclear agreement, iran is restricted to 130 metric tons of heavy water. However, in 2016, the iaea reported that had had in fact they, iran, surpassed that threshold twice. So do you believe that iran is in violation of the agreement right now . The intelligence assessment relative to the certification that was signed, perhaps i think three or four weeks ago, that was a certification by the that was a certification by the iaea, correct . Isnt that based on on iaea assessments . Yes, as well as our own assessments. How much confidence do we have in that assessment that said iran was in full compliance when in 2016, the iaea said that they violated the heavy water provisions twice . Its something that i think a real disconnect between what the facts seem to be and what secretary tillerson stated and what our Intel Community is saying. How can we say theyre in compliance . I apologize to the senator, but we agreed at the beginning that director coats and general stewart would be out of here in five minutes, and mr. Chairman, can i just get an answer to that question . No. Weve got three people to be in five minutes. I apologize. Senator blumenthal, would you do me the favor of asking one question and allowing the other two to ask a question . Would that be agreeable to you, director coats, one question each . I appreciate that, mr. Chairman, and i apologize. I mean, i dont apologize, but i have an event at the Supreme Court with the chief justice, and we want to not be late on that. I understand. Would that be agreeable to the members, to have a question each . Senator blumenthal. Director coats, thank you very much for being here. And i know that given the oath that youve taken and your long record of public service, you would never allow anyone including the president of the United States to discourage or deter you from a lawful investigation and your nondenial of the Washington Post report i think should lead to even more intensive investigation of the alleged effort by the president to enlist you in shutting down or stifling that investigation. This evidence, if true, goes to criminal intent, and constitutes mounting evidence of obstruction of justice. And you are aware that obstruction is a crime. And im sure that you will cooperate in investigation of that crime. And i presume that you would not agree with the president of the United States that this investigation of russian meddling and possible collusion by the Trump Campaigning in that interference in our election is a witch hunt. And therefore i want to ask you whether you have discussed efforts by the president to stifle or stop the investigation or enlist you or admiral rogers in denying that such investigation of collusion focused on him, whether youve ever discussed these reports with anyone, including admiral rogers. Well, senator, as i said in my Opening Statement, im not going to characterize my conversations that ive had with the president. Im not asking about your conversation with the president , i dont mean to be misunderstood. Have you talked about this issue with admiral rogers . That is that is something that i would like to withhold that question at this particular point in time. Im going to assume that in withholding the question, the implicit answer is that yes, you have. And i would like to know in another setting if necessary, what the substance of that conversation was. Let me just say for the record, director coats, your response to my question by no means meant yes or no, it meant that your conversations with the president are private and so senator blumenthal can have his interpretation. My interpretation of your answer to my question was that its privileged, conversations between the president and be members of his team. Senator king. So i am no way interpret your response to my question as inferring anything except that you are keeping with the tradition of privacy of conversations between members of the president s National Security team and the president. And mr. Chairman, i respect that point. Thank you. Thank you. Senator king. Is the Intelligence Community, director coats, doing an assessment of the nature and impact of the information revealed to the Russian Ambassador and Russian Foreign minister by the president . Im sorry. Would you is there an assessment being done or has been done of the significance and impact of the release of that information . We have not initiated an assessment of that. There are procedures that we go through to determine when assessments have been made or need to be made. There is a process that we go through. To my its my understanding we have not initiated and has there been any reaction from other countries to the Intelligence Community about the revealing of this information to the russians . This is any reaction from other countries to the Intelligence Community . I do not. Of course im just back from some of those countries. The issue was not raised during my time there, on that specific question. The intelligence communities of other countries did not raise this issue with you at all on your trip . Umm, they were they did not raise that specific question. Thank you, mr. Chairman. And senator kaine. Thank you. I thank the members indulgence. Thank you, mr. Chairman. The budget deal that was reached in congress, President Trump tweeted, quote, it might be time for a good shutdown, close quote, in september. With respect to both the agencies, the dia and directorate of National Intelligence, in terms of dealing with worldwide threats, the topic of todays hearing, would that be anything good about a shutdown of the United States . Well, there might be some good and some bad. I mean, if the shutdown involved functions that are not producing or are essential. But if youre talking about across the board shutdown, ive never believed that is the way we ought to handle our business here. And that definitely it could potentially have an impact on our ability on collection. General stewart . Not only would it impact our operations, but it has a debilitating effect on the workforce. Every time we talk about shutting down and they have uncertainty as to how theyre going to get paid the next payday. Debilitating effect. Thank you. Thanks, mr. Chair. I thank you, director coats and general stewart. And i know this is a very difficult time. And i appreciate your candor. And i also know that the committee understands theres areas that simply are protected by the relationship that the president has with his team and the people he realizlies on. So i would like to repeat again theres a lot more that needs to be found out, but also these leaks are not good for your business; isnt that correct . That is absolutely correct. They are devastating. And as i have said, disclosing methods and sources put our patriot people who are doing Great Service for this country, puts their lives at risk and it puts the lives of americans at risk because it details the methods in which we have gained information that has prevented attacks against the United States. So do you believe that there are lives at risk because of these leaks . Potentially, yes. I thank you. Did you want to say anything else . I wanted to ask the witness, in follow up to your question, which would you consider worse, a leak to the American People or a leak to the Russian Foreign minister . This hearing is adjourned. Mr. Chairman, can i ask one quick question . No. Okay. Thats all right. I did assure well be seeing him again, unfortunately for him. [ indiscernible conversation ] this holiday weekend, on American History tv on cspan3, saturday at 10 00 p. M. Eastern on reel america, the 1977 documentary, men of bronze, about the all black 369th u. S. Infantry regiment known as the harlem hell fighters during world war i. Approximately 24 germans attacked. Needham roberts got slugged almost immediately and johnson fought them off. He shot, caught them, swung his riv rifle around, he had 21 wounds on his body, but he refused to die. Sunday at 9 10 p. M. , historian and author Elizabeth Cobbs on the women telephone operators of the u. S. Army signal corps. In france, before they got this entirely american line up, that meant that the local operator had to speak to a french operator. They had to parl echlparler vou. They had to recruit women, because at least at this job, they were better than men. And monday at 9 00 a. M. Eastern, well visit the National World war i museum and memorial in kansas city, missouri, and talk to Richard Faulkner and mitchell yokelson, and matthew naylor. We seem to tell the story through the lives of people, ordinary people, men and women, volunteers as well as those who served in the armed forces, from all sides. For our complete American History tv schedule, go to cspan. Org. The Senate Homeland security subcommittee on investigations held a hearing recently on synthetic opioids. The subcommittee heard from customs, border, and postal officials about the flow of drugs into and within the United States. The head of the White House Office of National Drug control policy and Addiction Specialists also testified. We have a great group of members who are here. Everybodys got a lot of different commitments this morning. We also are very eager to hear from our witnesses and talk about a critical issue facing our country. Its really a crisis in our communities. Its getting worse, not better. And the crisis is this opioid epidemic, our country is being gripped by it. My state is, the states of every se

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