Dayton Reporter

The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence recently conducted closed budget posture hearings for the fiscal year 2026 with several key intelligence and defense agencies. The discussions involved the FBI, DHS’s Office of Intelligence & Analysis, the National Security Agency (NSA), U.S. Cyber Command, U.S. Special Operations Command, the National Reconnaissance Office, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and Military Services. These hearings aim to understand each agency's budget requests and any proposed changes in funding.

National Intelligence Enterprise Subcommittee Chairman Austin Scott commented on the FBI and DHS I&A hearings. He stated, “The FBI’s shift of vacant billets out of headquarters to the field to carry out the Bureau’s law enforcement mission is a welcome change." Scott also expressed concerns about counterintelligence relationships and emphasized ongoing oversight during the budget process.

Chairman Darin LaHood addressed issues following the NSA hearing. He remarked, “I appreciate the agencies providing justification for their FY26 budget request." LaHood highlighted the importance of strategic positioning against cyber threats and affirmed that his subcommittee would maintain oversight over budget implementation.

Defense Intelligence & Overhead Architecture Subcommittee Chairman Dan Crenshaw spoke after hearings with several defense-related agencies. He noted, “As highly sophisticated adversaries around the world seek to upend the global order, the U.S. must always be one step ahead of them.” Crenshaw emphasized ensuring resources reach priority programs necessary for supporting military operations.