Mr. Deutch's nomination also comes at a time when very serious questions have been raised about CIA operations in Guatemala. It has become clear through public hearings in recent weeks that a paid CIA informant in the Guatemalan military was involved in horrendous human rights abuses against Guatemalan people, and participated in the torture and death of an American citizen, and a Guatemalan who was married to an American citizen. Further, when this information became known to CIA officials, it was not properly reported to the House or Senate Intelligence Committees. The United States must stand for democracy and the protection of human rights abroad. I am deeply offended, as are many Americans, to learn of a relationship between the CIA and this Guatemalan colonel.
Morale is low.
With the end of the cold war, America's intelligence needs have changed. But they have not diminished. Our intelligence community is staffed with brave men and women who take risks every day to assist our policymakers by providing the best intelligence in the world. We must restore the confidence of the American people in these men and women, and in our intelligence gathering capabilities. John Deutch is a man of real quality.