Reply from Dianne Feinstein - CIA spying on Senate

Dear Mr. Ardolino:

Thank you for your letter regarding actions taken by Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officials in connection to the Senate Intelligence Committee's Report on the CIA Detention and Interrogation Program.  I value knowing your views on this important subject, and welcome the opportunity to respond.

As you may be aware, on March 11, 2014, I delivered a Floor statement expressing my concern that CIA personnel had searched computers used by Senate Intelligence Committee staff reviewing documents related to the CIA's Detention and Interrogation Program.  For your convenience, I have enclosed a copy of my statement, which further outlines my concerns.

I also welcome the opportunity to describe the difference between the CIA's actions in this regard and National Security Agency (NSA) activities, which some have conflated.

First and foremost, despite what has been reported in the press, the NSA does not conduct mass surveillance on U.S. citizens.   Under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, in order to access the contents of a U.S. person's electronic communications, the government must demonstrate probable cause that the individual is involved in international terrorism and obtain a court order.  For an explanation of intelligence programs operated by the NSA under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, please visit here or http://tinyurl.com/NSA-FISA. 

Second, the issue posed by the conduct of CIA officials is not about the personal privacy of my staff.  It is about the Agency's attempt to interfere with Congress' ability to conduct oversight of the Intelligence Community.  My statements were made in an effort to preserve that oversight, so that the Senate Intelligence Committee can continue to hold the CIA, NSA, and the 14 other intelligence agencies accountable to the American public. 

Again, thank you for writing.   I hope the information provided in this letter has helped clarify the situation for you, and that you will continue to be in touch on issues that matter to you.  Should you have any additional comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841.

Sincerely yours,


  Dianne Feinstein
         United States Senator