Dayton Reporter

House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Rick Crawford participated in the International Spy Museum's podcast "SpyCast" to discuss various topics, including China's influence in the Western Hemisphere and the role of open-source intelligence (OSINT).

Crawford highlighted China's strategic interests in Northeastern South America, particularly in Guyana and Surinam. He stated, "You've got China that's driving strong…to really capitalize on what could be an economic juggernaut...if you'll expel your Taiwanese diplomats, then we can play in your sandbox."

Regarding OSINT, Crawford emphasized its growing importance. "I think that it has come into its own as a discipline...25% of the President's Daily Brief is OSINT derived," he noted.

He also mentioned the use of OSINT by intelligence services in Russia and Ukraine to improve decision-making. Crawford said, "Our goal was to elevate OSINT to an organized, recognized collection discipline."

On decision-making processes, Crawford criticized predetermined narratives affecting analysis. He stressed the need for ground truth without political bias: "What we don't need is a political bias or an agenda directed into the analysis."

Discussing FISA 702 reauthorization, Crawford called for reforms while balancing legal and intelligence perspectives. He stated, "We can do both and we’re going to."

Crawford advocated for transparency within the intelligence community (IC), focusing on accountability rather than revealing sources and methods. He explained, "It's about operating in a way that is respectful of our Constitutional protections."

Lastly, he addressed bipartisanship within the committee: "This committee is functioning very well on a bipartisan basis because we're equally yoked with regard to protecting the American people."