Bipartisan Intelligence Reform Bill led by Rubio Clears Key Procedural Hurdle

The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence passed the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (IAA) today by a unanimous 17-0 vote.

Committee on Intelligence Chairman and Vice Chairman Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) led the IAA, respectively.

The IAA funds, provides legal authority, and increments congressional oversight of the US Intelligence Community (IC).

The IC is comprised of 18 national intelligence organizations, including all Military branches’ intelligence groups, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and more.

The act provides guidance for IC regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI), biochemical weapons, and novel energy technologies.

On the AI front, the IAA requires the creation of an AI Security Center within the National Security Agency (NSA) and expands Congressional oversight of China’s AI-fueled supply chain disruptions.

Additionally, the IAA specifically directs the IC to counter foreign adversaries’ malign influence domestically.

Namely, the IAA enhances sanctions enforcement against terrorist and sympathizers including visa revocation for endorsing terrorist activity.

Such a provision had been persistently lobbied for by Rubio.

As reported by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres, Rubio explicitly called for the deportation of foreign nationals living in the US and sympathetic to terrorist organizations.

“These antisemitic riots on campuses are disgusting. It’s important to understand though, these people don’t just hate Israel – they hate America, too. If any of those people came here on a student visa, the Biden Administration needs to revoke the visa,” said Rubio.

Moreover, the IAA outlines specific steps for the IC to counter North Korean, Russian, Venezuelan, Chinese, and terrorist activities.

“Our Intelligence Authorization Act represents significant improvements to our national security tools, legal authorities, Intelligence Community workforce, and ensures resources are focused on the most pressing threats,” continued Rubio.

The IAA will now have to proceed throughout the Senate prior to being subject to a general vote.