Instituted. This is two and a half hours. The committee will come to order. Without objection, the chairman is authorized to declare a recess at any time. The chair asks that ms. Debbie ms. Scanlan,ultz, else mr. Cooper, ms. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and representative mary gay scanlon, b waved onto the committee. Without objection, it is so ordered. I now recognize myself for an Opening Statement, then i will record as the Ranking Member. I have agreed is the chairwoman on . Chairwoman wish to have an Opening Statement . I will recognize her, with your after. Ion, mr. Hice, lawrence, i will recognize. If somebody else on your side wants to have additional. The Postal Service is the crown jewel of our federal government. It serves every household and business every day. 630,000 brief individuals who live in every congressional district. According to pew research, 91 of americans have a favorable view of the Postal Service. Leaps and bounds above that of any other federal entity. During
I call this hearing to order. This hearing will be a little bit different. It is perhaps the first congressional hearing during the extenuating circumstances of the pandemic. We have a sparse crowd reflecting the committees inherence to the rules put forth by the attending physician. Staff forthank patience and understanding as we work through the logistics involved in holding this hearing, which is a critical part of the committees ongoing oversight of the Intelligence Committee community. Afternoon, we move to a closed session. Aeir absence now is not reflection on the importance they place on this matter. We have asked members to watch as much as they can of the hearings from their offices, only coming into the hearing room to ask questions. I would also like to think the press corps for your accommodation of the restrictions we are placing as we seek to fulfill our requirements to hold this nomination hearing in an open setting, or at least as open as current circumstances allow. M
National counterintelligence and security center. The Senate Intelligence committee considered the of texas congressman John Radcliffe to be the next director of National Intelligence. Since august, the position has been occupied by officials in the absence of a senateconfirmed director. Representative radcliffe was asked about whistleblowers, his view on russian interference and the origins of the coronavirus as well as his ability to be nonpartisan as the nations top intel chief. This hearing will be a little different. It is perhaps the first congressional hearing held during the extenuating circumstances of a pandemic. We have a sparse crowd and an expanded dais reflective of the committees adherence to guidelines put forward by the rules committee and attending physician. We thank our members and staff are there patience and understanding as we work through the logistics involved in holding this hearing, which is a critical part of the committees ongoing oversight of the Intellige
Congressional hearing held during the extenuating circumstances of a pandemic. We have a sparse crowd and an expanded dais reflective of the committees adherence to guidelines put forward by the rules committee and attending physician. We thank our members and staff are there patience and understanding as we work through the logistics involved in holding this hearing, which is a critical part of the committees ongoing oversight of the Intelligence Community. Members will be joining us on a rotating basis throughout the morning. Again, this afternoon, as we move to close session. Their absence now is not a reflection of the importance they place on this matter. We have asked members to watch as much of the hearings as they can from their offices, only coming into the hearing room to ask questions. I would also like to thank the press corps for your accommodation of the restrictions we are placing as we seek to fulfill our requirements to hold this nomination hearing in an open setting,
Thank you mister chairman. Congressman Us Intelligence community have an Important Role in warning our leaders about pandemics like covid19. Because outbreaks of course are not just the publichealth matter but also a matter of National Security based on public statements and reporting alone , do you believe that president from as accurately conveyed the severity of the threat of covid19 to the American People . Are you saying presently . We are in the midst of the pandemic presently , correct. The question because i guess im misunderstanding. Im sorry as he accurately reflected the status of the pandemic . The severity of the pandemic, yes. As he conveyed the severity of covid19 to the American People. I believe so. You do and according to april 27 2020 Washington Post article resident from receipt upwards of a dozen briefings on covid19 on the Us Intelligenceagencies between january and february. Of this year. During which time he repeatedly denied the severity of the threat. On janua