MAR. 6.2009. 7:47°N NO.426 2/4 DiRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE ‘WASHINGTON, DC 2051; | MAR 0 6 2009 ‘The Honorable Mark Kirk The Honorable Shelley Barkley House of Representatives House of Representatives ‘Washington, DC 20515, Washington,DC 20515 ‘The Honorable John Boehner ‘The Honorable Eric Cantor House of Representatives House of Represeatatives Washington, DC 20515 igton, DC 20515 ‘The Honorable Mike Rogers The Honorable Sue Myrick House of Representatives House of Representatives Weshingwoa, DC 20515 Washington, DC 20515 ‘The Honorable Doug Lamborn ‘The Honorable Leonard Lance House of Representatives House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 Washington, DC 20515 Dear Representatives: | Tam writing to underscore my full support for the ‘of Ambassador Charles Freeman as Chairman of the National Intelligence Council (NIC). Ambassador Freeman brings to the National Intelligence Council exceptional talent and experience that will streagthen tbe Intelligence Community's ability to produce first rate assessment products. Ambassador Freeman has extonsive, diverse experience in military, diplomatic and intelligence work, knowledge of several major languages and cultares, and practical experience within the U.S. Government as a productive contributor and a team player. He is known for his ability to draw upon his intellectual strength and operational experience to lay out insightful, understandable asscssinents of complex problems. Ambassador Freeman has served the United States (ea: His focus has been and will continue to be our national int not that of the various countries and cultures where he has developed an expertise. This job of Chairman of the NIC is one of analysis, not policy. The Chairman and his colleagues on the NIC are charged with presenting the bést possible intelligence assessments to our nation's national security team, independent of any ‘views or the wishes of the policy makers who receive them. ‘The National Intelligence Council draws from experts from throughout the IC to produce Community judgments on specific issues - a process that involves give and take among the 16 intelligence agencies (plus the ODNI) and, at times, “pene views. ThisNO.426 7. 4/4 sae process holds true for our highest-level products, NIEs, ssvelles shorter analytic products. 1 am committed to ensuring that the NIC continues to be an organization represcating the best talent assembled from throughout the Community, ‘Once work on an NIE is assembled in draft, a senior National Intelligence Board, comprised of the directors of the IC's analytic agencies, personally approves the analysis and judgments of cach National Intelligence Estimate. This Board includes the Directors of the CIA, DIA, FBI or their analytic heads, and others from across the IC. These high level reviews are a critical part of the process as they test assumptions and question. Indgmort before any product is final, As a full participant and leader of this review process, I personally approve each National Intelligence Estimate in my capacity as the leader of the Community and as the President's principal advisor on intelligeuce matters. Ambassador Freeman has never been a Capitol Hill lobbyist nor has be ever lobbied on behalf of any government or business (domestic ot foreign). Ambassador Freeman has never received any income directly from Sandi Arabia or any Sandi-controlled entity. ‘The Middle East Policy Council (MEPC), which he chaired for 12 of its 30 year history, is a 501(¢)(3) non-profit that does not take positions on issues, All of its activities are entirely transparent and in the public domain. The MEPC has never lobbied on behalf of any cause or government. Saudi Government contibutions to the MEPC: aceount for no more than one-twelfth of the MEPC’s annual operating budget of $600,000. For his part, Ambassador Freeman was compensated a total of $76, 000 and $84,000 annually frp his time and expenses. Ambassador Freeman resigned from the Chinese National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) Advisory Board on February 1, 2009. The Board met once a year, for which Freeman received $310,000 each year, At these meetings, the Board advised CNOOC on management of political risk. He was never asked for advice related to the purchase of UNOCAL ox dealings with Iran. Indeed, Ambassador Freeman made it clear to CNOOC from the outset that as a U.S. citizea he could not deal with any Iranian issues, period, Ambassador Freeman’s company, Projects Intemational, does not work for any U.S. or foreign goverament clients; Projects International's business is entirely focused on arranging private sector transactions. ‘Moreover, ODNI employees are required to report close personal relationships with foreign powers or their agents and all financial employment activities (paid or unpaid) to include consulting or contractual work, as part of the security clearance process. This respousibility continucs during the entire term of employment and the terms of the ODNI non-disclosure ‘agreement require protection of sensitive national security information for life. Foreign financial interests, including stock, investments, and corporate positions, must also be disclosed in the clearance process, along with foreign government, foreign business and professional couiacts. ODNI employees are required to successfully complete a || N46 P. A/4 | counterintelligence polygraph examination as a condition of employment and Anabassador Freeman will éo 80. Finally, Tassure you that Ambassador Freeman will comply with all procedures and recommendations stevaming from counsel's review of the required Public Financial Disclosure Form, which he is required by law to complete within 30 days of his first day of employment, Each individual hired for a senior position at the ODNI is required to file this form to determine ‘whether any conflicts of interest arise from prior employment or financial holdings, and to take appropriate steps to resolve such conflicts. Thaye asked tbe ODNI Inspector General some concerns raised about Ambassador Freeman’s appointment. However, in addition to the security clearance process and public financial disclosures, I believe that the Inspector 's examination will put to rest any questions about Ambassador Freeman's suitability, and financial history. appreciate your continued careful oversight and you candi views ‘about the management of our Intelligence Community. I strongly believe that Ambassador Freeman will be a powerful ally as we work together to strengthen our analysis in service to the nation's policymakers. ‘Ambassador Freeman is ready to mect with you to adress any specific questions you may have forhim. He can be reached through my Office of Legislative Affairs at 703-275-2473. Sincerely, Vv Dennis C. Blair