Date: March 15, 1988

Subject: Intelligence Oversight

Description: Passage of the bill to require the President to notify Congress of all covert activities. The bill gives the President sole responsibility to notify Congress and puts into law a definition of covert operations or "special activities". Under ordinary circumstances, the President must tell intelligence committees in both chambers in advance of a covert operation. But in rare occasions when time is of the essence, the President may wait up to 48 hours after a covert activity begins. The President also has the option of informing only the House and Senate majority and minority leaders, or to also include the chairmen and ranking members of the intelligence committees if he determines an operation is so sensitive that avoiding the full committees is essential to meet extraordinary circumstances affecting vital interests of the United States. This bill would greatly increase congressional involvement in intelligence activities and effectively end the ability of the President to conduct foreign covert operations.

Result: Bill Passed, 71-19

Democrat: 45 Yeas, 2 Nays, 7 Not voting
Republican: 26 Yeas, 17 Nays, 3 Not voting

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