Chairman Thompson Writes Acting NCTC Director After Pulling Out of Counterterrorism Hearing
(WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, sent a letter to the Acting Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) after he pulled out of testifying on a mutually agreed upon date for a public hearing on threats facing the country. The NCTC, which is part of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), has consistently testified at previous, yearly hearings on this topic.
Letter text:
I was dismayed to learn that you have recently withdrawn your acceptance of the Committee’s invitation to appear at a hearing entitled “Global Terrorism: Threats to the Homeland” on October 30, 2019, and urge you to reconsider.
The Committee has a longstanding practice of holding an annual hearing to examine threats to the homeland, and the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) Director has routinely participated. This year’s hearing was originally planned to coincide with the commemoration of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The Committee delayed the hearing because Administration witnesses, including you, agreed to appear on October 30. Given NCTC’s longstanding participation in this annual hearing and your commitment to participating this year just a few short weeks ago, your sudden reversal is rather curious.
The Committee is fully aware that some matters cannot be discussed in an open setting and Members remain prepared to discuss any such matters in an appropriate setting after the hearing. As such, there is no legitimate reason for you to decline to participate in the hearing. Again, I urge you to reconsider and look forward to your testimony on October 30.
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