Office of Director of National Intelligence to be Downsized

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) will be “reduced in its size and budget,” DNI James R. Clapper Jr. told the House Intelligence Committee last week (pdf).

“We, I think, all understand that we’re going to be in for some belt-tightening. And given, you know, the funding that we have been given over the last 10 years since 9/11, that’s probably appropriate,” DNI Clapper said on February 10.

“Shortly after I became DNI, exactly six months ago today, I began a thorough review of the organization. I examined the intelligence reform law, other statutes and executive orders, and the activities that they direct the DNI to execute,” he said.

“Upon review, I decided to reduce or eliminate functions not required by law or executive order that are not core missions of the DNI. I also identified elements that should transfer out of the ODNI to another agency who would serve as the executive agent on my behalf and carry out these services of [common] concern on behalf of the ODNI. In other words, we don’t need to do everything on the DNI staff itself.”

“Based on this efficiencies review, the Office of the DNI is being reduced in size and budget,” DNI Clapper said.  The details of the reduction remain to be spelled out.

See, relatedly, these updated Congressional Research Service reports on intelligence (all pdf).

“Director of National Intelligence Statutory Authorities: Status and Proposals,” January 12, 2011.

“Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Acquisition: Issues for Congress,” January 20, 2011.

“Intelligence Authorization Legislation: Status and Challenges,” January 20, 2011.

“Satellite Surveillance: Domestic Issues,” January 13, 2011.

“The National Intelligence Council: Issues and Options for Congress,” January 10, 2011.

“Intelligence Estimates: How Useful to Congress?”, January 6, 2011.