Dayton Reporter

House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Subcommittee on Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) Chair Ann Wagner led a bipartisan group of subcommittee members to the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). The purpose was to observe how open-source intelligence is being utilized to support military personnel and strengthen U.S. national security.

During the visit, the members witnessed a demonstration of DIA's capabilities in gathering open-source intelligence. Chair Wagner commented, “It was impressive to hear how DIA is leveraging Open-Source Information to achieve its mission and most importantly, make sure the warfighter on the ground has the most up-to-date, accurate information needed to advance U.S. national security priorities and protect those fighting for our freedoms.” She emphasized the importance of OSINT as a primary intelligence discipline and expressed her commitment to further exploring its use in an upcoming subcommittee hearing.

Ranking Member Houlahan also shared insights from the visit, stating, “The visit to DIA allowed Subcommittee Members to improve our firsthand understanding about how a key intelligence community element is reinvigorating and prioritizing OSINT for both the defense and national enterprise.” He acknowledged Director Kruse's efforts in maximizing OSINT's value and noted that the demonstrated capabilities show promise for its integration into the intelligence cycle.

The visit included interactions with DIA Director General Kruse, who briefed the subcommittee members. The delegation included Chair Wagner, Rep. Scott Perry, and Ranking Member Houlahan.