ALLEGATION OF MISLEADING CONGRESS <SANITIZED>

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Collection: 
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
06230389
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RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
U
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90
Document Creation Date: 
December 28, 2022
Document Release Date: 
February 3, 2017
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Case Number: 
F-2014-00278
Publication Date: 
November 17, 2000
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Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 ...71Alts, a tins Central Intelligence Agency Inspector General 0!ORNV � Pir:CORD COPY NO7' RamovE OFFICAL FILE - REPORT OF INVESTIGATION (U) ALLEGATION OF MISLEADING CONGRESS L. Britt Snider Inspector General 17 November 2000 Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Investigators: (b) 3) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(1) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) SECRkT//X1 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET! X1 CIA/OR) LOAN COPY TABLE OF CONTENTS Page INTRODUCTION 1 SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS 3 PROCEDURES AND RESOURCES 6 QUESTIONS PRESENTED 7 FINDINGS 8 WHAT IS MEANT BY THE TERM "INTERNAL TAXES" WTHIGNI CIA? 8 WHAT ARE CIA's RESPONSIBILITIES IN DEALING WITH CONGRESS? 10 How DID THE AGENCY PRACTICE WITH REGARD TO DISCUSSION OF "INTERNAL TAXES" WITH CONGRESS EVOLVE? 12 WHAT GUIDANCE WAS ISSUED BY THE DIRECTORATE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ON 25 FEBRUARY 2000 CONCERNING THE DISCUSSION OF "INTERNAL TAXES" WITH CONGRESS? 24 DID THE 25 FEBRUARY 2000 GUIDANCE CONFLICT WITH CIA's OBLIGATIONS AND POLICY IN DEALING WITH CONGRESS? 47 Dm SUPERVISORS RECOGNIZE THE POSSIBLE MISINTERPREATION OF THE GUIDANCE CONTAINED IN THE 25 FEBRUARY 2000 LOTUS NOTES E-MAIL AND TAKE AIVY ACTION TO CORRECT IT? 51 WHAT DID THE CM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SAY TO CONGRESS ON 16 AND 23 MARCH 2000 ABOUT AGENCY POLICY ON DISCUSSIONS OF INTERNAL TAXES WITH CONGRESS? 53 (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) SECRET/ /X1 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY WAS THE EXECU'TIVE DIRECTOR'S 23 MARCH 2000 LETTER TO THE SSCI STAFF DIRECTOR ACCURATE? 62 WHAT HAS BEEN THE CONSEQUENCE OF THE LOTUS NOTES E-MAIL WITFBN THE DIRECTORATE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY? 67 CONCLUSIONS 73 RECOMMENDATIONS 79 EXHIBITS: A - Employee Bulletin�ExDir Reminds All Employees of Agency Policy on Dealing with Congress B - Lotus Note froM ODDS&T, Subject Cautionary Note: Discussion of Internal Taxes � C - Letter to Mr. Nickolas Rostow from David W. Carey, dated 23 March 2000 (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) SECRET! /X1 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET! /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL INVESTIGATIONS STAFF REPORT OF INVESTIGATION ALLEGATION OF MISLEADING CONGRESS 17 November 2000 INTRODUCTION 1. (U//AIU0) In May 2000, an Agency employee who requested confidentiality approached the Inspector General (IG) with secondhand information that CIA Executive Director (ExDir) David Carey misled Congress when he testified before the House Permanent Select Committee Si Intelligence (HPSCI) and also in a letter Carey sent on 23 March 2000 to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) Staff Director. The employee claimed he represented a group of senior Agency officers who were afraid to approach the Office of Inspector General (OIG) for fear of retribution. The employee said the Senior Intelligence Service officers were unwilling to come forward on their own to report the allegation because they feared their names would become known to senior Agency management and they would suffer adverse career consequences. . 2. (U//AlUO) The employee said he was told by another CIA officer that in February 2000, Carey chaired a meeting attended by, among others, Associate Deputy Director for Science and Technology (ADDS&T) James Runyan. Runyan attended the meeting as a substitute for Joanne Isham, the Deputy Director for Science and (b)(3) 1 SECRET! /X1 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY Technology (DDS&T). The employee learned, after this meeting, that Runyan reported Carey was "furious" and said the Agency was not going to talk to Congress about its policy concerning "internal taxation." Carey reportedly said the Agency is to "close ranks" on the issue of not discussing its internal taxation policy with Congress. The employee explained that the term "internal taxes" refers to fees levied on CIA components by Agency corporate management to fund other programs and needs. ni(11/ /AKIO) The employee learned that �who served in the Office of the Directorate of Science and Technology (DS&T) as the Chief of the Planning and Resources Group�was instructed by Runyan to communicate with certain officers within the DS&T to "dose ranks" and tell them that internal taxes are an internal matter that is out of bounds for discussion with the Congressiorin elligence oversight committees. The employee understood tha afted a Lotus Notes e-mail message to this effect and showed it to Runyan in draft. Runyan approved the message, saying that it reflected what Carey said, and it was sent. The employee sakI is suffering retribution for this incident. 4. (U/ /AIU0) According to the employee, Carey appeared at a 16 March 2000 HPSCI hearing and denied any knowledge of the existence of the e-mail message; denied that its statements represented Agency policy; and denied that any subject was out of bounds for discussion with the intelligence oversight committees. Subsequently, Carey sentretierlo the Staff Director of the SSCI dated 23 March 2000 wi message attached. In the letter, Carey wrote that the e-mail message "does not accurately articulate our policy on dealing with Congress." The employee believes this is a false statement. 5. (U/ /AIUO) The employee explained that he did not wish to invoke "whistleblower" provisions to report this matter to Congress because he did not have firsthand knowledge of the matter. (b)(3) (b)(3)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 2 SECRET//X1 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY However, the employee considered this matter to be an "urgent concern" that he wanted to bring to the attention of the 1G concerning a false statement to Congress.' SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS 6. (S) "Internal taxation" is a term used within CIA to describe the reprogramming or realigning of funds allocated for one program to another program or need. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2000, internal taxes have been levied on all Directorates, components within the Directorates, and on individual programs. The overall magnitude of taxes has been substantial. The Directorate of Operations (DO) reported it began FY2000 by realigning over of operational funds to support DO infrastructure vrozrams that were inadequately funded, and paid more than as the DO's share of Agency taxes. 7. (S) In late 1999 and early 2000, Congressional and staff delegations visited CIA stations abroad. During this period, some Agency officers from the DO reported that their operational capabilities, especially in agent operations, were being hampered because of a lack of funds. In particular, they noted there was a downturn in their funds compared with the previous year. At the 1 (U) "Whistleblower Protection for Intelligence Community Employees Reporting Urgent Concerns to Congress," Title VII of the Fiscal Year 1999 Intelligence Authorization Ad, provides ways an intelligence community employee or contractor may submit a complaint or information to Congress. An "urgent concern" is defined in 50 U.S.C. �403q (d)(5)(G)(1) to mean any of the following: (I) A serious or flagrant problem, abuse, violation of law or Executive order, or deficiency relating to the funding, administration, or operations of an intelligence activity involving classified information but does not include differences of opinions concerning public policy matters; (II) A false statement to Congress, or a willful withholding from Congress, on an issue of material fad relating to the funding, administration, or operation of an intelligence activity; (III) An action, including a personnel action described in section 2302(a)(A) of Title 5, United States Code, constituting reprisal or threat of reprisal prohibited under subsection (e)(3)(B) in response to an employee's reporting an urgent concern in accordance with this paragraph. (b)(1) (b)(3) (b)(1) (b)(3) 3 SECRET! /X1 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET! /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY time, similar expressions of concerns were being voiced to Congress by officers in Headquarters about the impact of internal taxes on their programs. 8. (U/ /AIUO) In early 2000, accounts of "complaints" raised during the Congressional visits and comments made by other Agency officers about the impact of taxes on their programs were registering with senior Agency management. They expressed dismay and concern that some Agency officers were speaking to Congress about budgetary issues without full knowledge of the complex issues involved. Guidance was sent to the field which, in part, explained the situation with programs that had been insufficiently funded and the need to tax the DO and the other components. 9. (U/ /AIUO) By Agency regulation, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as the "principal interface" with Congress on resource matters, and employees are required to refer Congressional inquiries to Office of Congressional Affairs (OCA) and the CFO prior to responding. Field Stations were explicitly instructed not to comment on Directorate or Agency budget-related matters. A 22 March 2000 statement by the CFO "reminded" all employees that budget realignment questions should be referred to the CFO and OCA. On 27 March 2000, ExDir Carey "reminded" employees to respond fully to Congressional inquiries regarding programs and activities, including budgetary and fiscal matters, following established Agency procedures in responding to Congressional questions. Senior Agency managers confirm that CIA policy on discussing budget matters, including internal taxes, was that personnel should coordinate with the CFO's office before responding to Congressional questions. ExDir David Carey explains that to avoid offices going to Congress to plead their own case, the CFO served as the one definitive source of information to Congress on budget matters. 4 SECRET/ /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY 10. (U//A1U0) On 25 February 2000, after a morning staff meeting where there were remarks by ExDir Carey, and DCI George Tenet about CIA officers "complaining" about the budget to Congress, Carey met with the Deputy Directors, including ADDS&T Runyan. Following that meeting, Runyan instructed a senior DS&T officer to pass on Carey's concerns regarding these budget issues to DS&T office-level personnel. 11. (U//MUD) The DS&T officer, sent a classified Lotus Notes e-mail message to DS&T budget and plans officerateril�tat day. In all, 18 DS&T officers�including Runyan and supervisor, DS&T Chief of Stafi received the Lotus Note. It said in part that the "7th floor" had recently become aware that some CIA officers were talking to Congressi about the impact of internal taxes on their programs. Lotus Note said that CIA considered internal taxes to be "out of bounds" for discussion with Congress; internal taxes often reflected poorly on Agency performance; and DS&T personnel were instructed not to discuss taxes "even if prodded" at briefings or during Congressional visits. 12. (UHAIU0) isserts that she prepared the Lotus Note with points Runyan had provided to her, based on the 25 February meeting he attended .n7 says she provided Runyan with a draft of the Lotus Note, which he approved, and sent the note the evening of 25 February to the 18 recipients, including Runyan and contends she is being made a scapegoat for drafting the guidance provided, and later reviewed, by Runyan. (b)(3) (b)(7) c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (U/ /ARJO) Runyan contends the guidance he asked r13 o disseminate was "to coordinate with the Comptroller before (b)(3) down to the Hill." He cannot explain why that message was (b)(7)(c going not embodied ix 1Lotus Note, and no witnesses to their (b)(3) conversation have been identified. Neither Runyan nor made (b)(3)(c) any effort to correct the guidance issued b (b)(7)(c) (b)(7)(c 5 SECRET! /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET! /X1 CIA/01G LOAN COPY 14. (U//AIU0) On 16 March 2000, Lotus Note was cited without attribution by the HPSCI Chairman during a CIA budget hearing attended by Carey and the Deputy Directors. Carey testified that the contents of the note did not represent Agency policy, and he and the other attendees were not previously aware of the Lotus Note. Carey sent follow-up letters a week later to six HPSCI members and to the SSCI Staff Director repeating this position. In the letter to the SSCI Staff Director, Carey stated that neither he nor any member of his "senior management team" was aware of the Lotus Note before the hearing. PROCEDURES AND RESOURCES � 15. (U/ /AIUO) Twenty-two interviews were conducted including all of the principals. A review of the guidance provided by the Directorates of Administration, Operations, and Science and Technology concerning policy on budget and taxes during the first quarter of 2000 was conducted. Copies of pertinent documents have been retained and selectively cited in the Report. Copies of the letters sent to the Congressional oversight committees have been obtained, and the testimony at the 16 March 2000 HPSCI budget hearing has been reviewed. Copies of notes from DCI morning staff meetings and the DS&T meetings around the time of the incident have been reviewed. A legal analysis was conducted by the Counsel to the IC to determine if the crimes reporting responsibilities imposed under 50 U.S.C. �403q(b)5 were implicated. Individuals who were interviewed were afforded the opportunity to review and comment on the factual accuracy of the OIG reports of interview. (b)(3) (b)(7)(c 6 SECRET/ /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 � CIA/OIG LOAN COPY QUESTIONS PRESENTED 16. (U//A1U0) This Report of Investigation addresses the following questions: � What is meant by the term "internal taxes" within CIA? � What are CIA's responsibilities in dealing with Congress? � How did the Agency practice with regard to discussion of "internal taxes" with Congress evolve? � What guidance was issued by the Directorate of Science and Technology on 25 February 2000 concerning the discussion of "internal taxes" with Congress? � Did the 25 February 2000 guidance conflict with CIA's obligations and policy in dealing with Congress? � Did a supervisors recognize the possibility of misinterpretation of the guidance contained in the 25 February 2000 Lotus Note e-mail and take any action to correct it? � What did the CIA Executive Director say to Congress on 16 and 23 March 2000 about Agency policy on discussions of "internal taxes" with Congress? � Was the Executive Director's 23 March 2000 letter to the SSCI Staff Director accurate? � What has been the consequence of the Lotus Notes e-mail within the Directorate of Science and Technology? (b)(3) (b)(7)(c 7 SECRET! /X1 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET//X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY FINDINGS WHAT IS MEANT BY THE TERM "INTERNAL TAXES" WITHIN CIA? 17. (U/ /AIU0) Within CIA, the term "internal taxes" refers to a mechanism for redistributing budget funds allocated for one program to another program or need. Internal taxation requires specific programs to remand a portion of their current year funding (the tax) to a central pool of money which, in turn, is allocated to other programs in order to increase the funding of those other programs or new initiatives. Programs are "taxed" to raise money to shift to other programs. The taxation is "internal" because the overall budget of the Agency is not increased. The term "internal taxation" is often used within the Agency in conjunction with phrases such as "internal budget realignments" or "reprogramming of funds:2 18. (U/ /AIU0) Within CIA, internal taxes are imposed on the Directorates, on components within the Directorates, and on specific programs. Internal taxes are imposed for a number of reasons�for example, to fund operations, maintenance, and support costs that may not have been fully factored into a program when its original budget was submitted and approved. Budget officers refer to this as the imposition of internal taxes to cover "unfunded" or "underfunded" programs or needs. 19. (S) A 29 February 2000 e-mail message from a Directorate of Administration (DA) budget officer explains that "Fairshare taxes are levied to pay for corporate CIA bills. The Comptroller's Office spreads the tax Agencywide based on prorata shares of the budget." Within CIA, specific internal taxes are sometimes named. For example, one such "tax" is called the Executive Director's Reserve Tax: These internal taxes are often referred to as corporate taxes because they are imposed at the Directorate and Agency level. 2 (U/ /AIUO) The Agency's legal and policy authorities to realign funds will be addressed in an Inspector General audit concerning Agency reprogramming of funds. 8 SECRET//X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA /0IG LOAN COPY 20. (S) References to internal taxes are common within the Agency. For example, all personnel in a Directorate of Intelligence office were told in a May 2000 e-mail that Taxes from the 7th floor almost always arise with very short deadlines .... Because this year's taxes are even larger than expected, the [office-level] funding set aside for this purpose is already accounted for.... The flexibility to meet these tax requirements is constrained because many budget line items are fenced off by Congress. (b)(3) (b)(3) Moreover, the magnitude of internal taxes can be substantial. For example, a budget officer in a component of the DA asked a Directorate-level budget officer in a 29 February 2000 e-mail about the evied in taxes on his component in December 1999 and another assessment o in February 2000. The DA-level budget officer responded that the taxes were paying for a variety of Agency "unfunded" programs, including some within the DA. 21. (S) By all accounts, the first half of FY2000 was a period of tight budgets and a number of internal taxes. An 8 March 2000 memorandum by the DO's Operations and Resources Management Staff (DO/ORMS) entitled "FY00 Internal DO Realignments" explained that "At the beginning of the operating year, the DO realigned about of mostly operational funds to infuse internal DO infrastructure programs, which had never been adequately resourced." 22. (S) DO/ORMS drafted a contribution for .a "DCI Issue Paper on Budget Shortfalls" on 1 March 2000, explaining in greater detail why the DO reprogrammed funds during FY2000. It reported that: Very early in FY2000, DO managers identified an extensive list of unfunded or underfunded activities, resulting in costs in excess of (b)(1) (b)(3) 9 SECRET//X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET! /X]. CIA/OIG LOAN COPY The activities were primarily infrastructure programs, many of them critical to the DO's operational missions. The circumstances and decisions which led to what could be termed a budget dilemma are complex and under considerable examination. In part, some infrastructure programs had become underfunded over several years as the Directorate's base funds shrank while its operational programs were supported on a year by year basis through Congressional and other adds to its budget. Large infrastructure programs were established without budgeting [operations and maintenance] funds in the future.... [DO] components who were represented most heavily on the unfunded list. . . were protected during the realignment of funds which focused the burden on the rest�primarily the operating (b)(1) divisions and centers. Taxes were computed on the size of their (b)(3) base funds . . In addition to critical funding within the [DO], the DO's share of Agency wide cuts and corporate bills, which rom ted further internal cuts in early FY 2000, totaled over more recent Agency-level taxes of ove Further DO cuts have been necessary to ay additional, The impact on agent operations caused by the DO's realignment of funds to cover critical infrastructure needs and pay Agency taxes is real, though perhaps difficult to quantify. WHAT ARE CIA's RESPONSIBILITIES IN DEALING WITH CONGRESS? 23. (U) Statutory Requirements. The National Security Act of 1947, as amended (50 U.S.C. �413a), requires the DCI, among other responsibilities, to: . .. furnish the intelligence committees any information or material cencerning intelligence activities, other than covert actions, which is within their custody or control, and which is requested by either of the intelligence committees in order to carry out its authorized responsibilities. 24. (U) The National Security Ad of 1947, as amended (50 U.S.C. �413a), further requires the DCI to keep the intelligence committees "fully and currently informed" of intelligence activities other than covert actions that are carried out by CIA. The meaning of (b)(1) (b)(3) (b)(1) (b)(3) 10 SECRET! /XI Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET//X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY the "fully and currently informed" requirement is discussed in a 15 May 1980 Senate Report, No. 96-730, that accompanied the Intelligence Oversight Act of 1980 (S. 2283). The report states the statutory language places responsibility on the Executive Branch to provide not only "full and complete information upon request from the committees; it also includes an affirmative duty to keep the committees fully and currently informed of all major policies, directives, and intelligence activities." 25. (U) The 19 September 1980 Conference Committee Report No. 96-1350 that reconciled and incorporated the Senate and House versions of the oversight provisions in the Irtteffigence Authorization Act for FY1981 lists three additional responsibilities imposed on the DCI by the legislation. One of these is to furnish any information requested by the committees in order to carry out their responsibilities. (b)(3) 26. (U/ /AIU0) CIA Regulations. Headquarters Regulation dated 26 July 1993, states that the Director of Congressional Affairs serves as the "focal point for Agency contact with Congress and its individual members, committees, and staffs." Agency Regulatio "Reporting of Intelligence Activities to Congress," dated 26 Mar 1996 reiterates statutory guidance and states that: CIA will seek scrupulously to meet the obligation to keep the Congressional intelligence committees fully and currently informed .... This obligation requires, at a minimum, that ... CIA provide the information requested by those committees in order to conduct their business. Questions regarding the interpretation of these guidelines should be referred to the Office of General Counsel, according to the regulation. 27. (U) Agency Regulationn"Response by Employees and Former Employees to Subpoenas, Orders, and Other Demands by Courts or Other Authorities," dated 15 May 1997, provides that no Agency employee will respond to a request for information, 11 SECRET/ /X1 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA/01G LOAN COPY including requests from Congressional committees, until authorized to do so by the General Counsel. 32 C.F.R. Section 1905 provides the same guidance, and authorizes CIA officials to delegate their authority to subordinate officials. (b)(3) 28. (U/ /AIU0) The CFO's authorities and responsibilities in regard to ss are set forth in a 2 March 2000, Agency Regulatiorentified "Office of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO)." This regulation defined the mission of the CFO as "to oversee all financial management and procurement activities relating to the programs and operations of the Agency. . . ." The CFO's functions, as identified in this regulation, include: � Develop, coordinate, and oversee the Agency's program planning and resource allocation processes. � Develop and oversee execution of the Agency budget.... � Serve as the principal interface with Congress (in coordination with Director of the Office of Congressional Affairs), Department of Defense, Community Management Staff, and Office of Management and Budget regarding resource matters.... [Emphasis added.] How DID THE AGENCY PRACTICE WITH REGARD TO DISCUSSION OF "DrrERNAL TAXES" WITH CONGRESS EVOLVE? 29. (U/ /AIU0) As established in the preceding section, CIA has a statutory obligation to provide "full and complete information" to Congress. It also has regulations in effect that govern which Agency employees specifically can respond to Congressional inquiries. These regulations state that no Agency employee will respond to Congressional requests for information until, or unless, authorized. On most issues, the Office of Congressional Affairs has been delegated this authority, and in budget-related matters, the CFO and OCA share responsibility for responding to Congressional queries. 12 SECRET! /X1 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET//X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY 30. (U/ /MOO) Written Guidance. To ensure that employees are aware of their obligations to respond to Congressional queries through OCA and the CFO, the Agency has issued periodic guidance. This guidance includes a pamphlet issued by OCA on briefing Congress; instructions to Field Stations on handling budget questions that arise during Congressional delegation visits; an October 1999 Employee Bulletin reminding employees to communicate with Congress through OCA; a 22 March 2000 statement by the CFO made available to all employees reminding them that budget realignment questions should be referred to the CFO and OCA; and a 27 March 2000 Employee Bulletin reminding employees to respond fully to Congressional inquiries through established Agency guidelines for handling questions from Congress. 31. (U/ /AIUO) OCA Pamphlet on the "4Cs." Since at least 1988, OCA has issued a pamphlet entitled "Briefing Congress." In a section entitled "Guidelines for Congressional Briefings," the pamphlet states that "a CIA officer in contact with Congress� whether before a committee, an individual Member, or a staff officer�should present information that reflects the following: candor, correctness, completeness and consistency." The pamphlet defines "consistency" as "following established Agency guidelines when responding to questions or requests for information, The pamphlet also instructs employees to "concentrate on the facts, [and] render judgments only in your specific area of expertise." Employees are further admonished not to discuss "other programs or activities that are not related to the issue being briefed." 32. (S) Guidance Concerning Congressional Visits. OCA periodically issues guidance to all Agency Field Stations and Bases concerning briefing Congressional members and their staffs during Congressional visits to Agency field locations. A 17 June 1999 cable 3 (U/ /AIUO) As discussed in the previous section, CIA regulations require that employees refer questions from Congress to OCA or the GO prior to responding. 13 SECRET/ /X1 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY provided instructions to Field Stations on answering budget-related questions that arise during Congressional visits. Field Stations were told: On budget-related topics, feel free to provide generic funding infonnation as it pertains to your operation but do not comment or opine on broader Directorate or Agency budget-related matters. Please remember that Congress reviews and acts on the DCI's budget, and [the DCI1 has directed that only Headquarters will discuss budget specifics with members and staff, in line with their oversight or non-oversight responsibilities. [Emphasis added.] (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) In advance of specific Congressional visits in the period from June 1999 through 29 March 2000, individual Stations were instructed by their respective Headquarters components on many occasions to refer to the June 1999 cable. Additionall the June 1999 instructions were retransmitted in full to more tations throughout the year.4 33. (U/ /AIUO) October 1999 Employee Bulletin. Agency personnel were reminded of their obligation to communicate with Congress only through the Office of Congressional Affairs in an Employee Bulletin issued on 1 October 1999. The Employee Bulletin was made available to all Agency employees on an electronic bulletin board. 34. (U/ /AIUO) Official Minutes of "DCI (Agency) Staff Meeting." The official minutes of the DCI weekly staff meeting are posted on the Agency's Public Affairs electronic bulletin board and are available for all Agency employees to read. According to minutes of the 22 March 2000 DCI Staff meeting, "reminded components to refer to herself and 0 A any queries from HPSCI staff members regarding realignment of funds. HPSCI staffers recently have directly queried some components." 4 (S) The June 1999 guidance on handling budget issues differed from the instructions issued to Field Stations in 1997 and 1998 concerning briefing Congressional visitors. The 1997 and 1998 instruction cables did not contain any reference to budget-related topics. (b)(1) (b)(3) 14 SECRET/ /XI Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA/01G LOAN COPY 35. (U) March 2000 Employee Bulletin. On 27 March 2000, an Employee Bulletin was issued entitled "ExDir Reminds All Employees of Agency Policy on Dealing with Congress." (See Exhibit A.) It instructed personnel "to respond fully�and to the best of your knowledge�to Congressional inquiries regarding programs and activities, including budgetary and fiscal matters." The instruction advised employees to ensure that all dealings with Congress are characterized by candor, completeness, correctness, and consistency. Employees were reminded to follow established Agency guidelines in handling questions from Congress. 5 The Employee Bulletin was made available to all Agency employees on an electronic bulletin board. The text also was issued as a cable to Agency Field Stations on 29 March 2000. 36. (S) The Budget Situation Facing the Directorate of Operations. On 6 January 2000, the Deputy Director for Operations (DDO) sent a cable to all DO Stations and Bases entitled "The State of the Directorate's FY 2000 Fiscal Health." This cable discussed "unfunded" programs and the amount of internal taxes being levied on the DO. It said: [Thu have no doubt heard from your component management that this is shaping up to be a tight budget year�the tightest in memory in fact. Unfortunately, the adds to our FY 2000 budget have been more than offset by the need to cover as the DO share of Agency unfundeds and the need to realign over internally to cover unfunded program needs critical to the DO mission, such as operational training, improvements to management and backstopping of cover, and information technology systems supporting field and Headquarters operations. We have also had to cover s the DO share of a Congressional cut to independent contractors and to cover an across the board cut to all US Government agencies mandated by Congress. As the year progresses, additional Agency unfundeds are likely to arise, and we will have to help cover them. 5 (U//AlUO) CIA regulations require employees to refer questions from Congress to OCA or the CFO prior to responding. (b)(1) (b)(1) (b)(3) (b)(1) (b)(3) (b)(3) 15 SECRET/ /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY 37. (S) In an e-mail message on 1 February 2000, a senior officer in DO/ORMS advised Associalfe DDO for Resources, Plans and Policy (ADDO/RPP of concern from HPSCI staff members that funds HPSCI had earmarked for specific DO areas or programs of special interest to the committee had been "taxed." The officer said that the "bottom line is that the areas HPSCI thought were going to be made healthy in FY 1999 were taxed." (b)(3) 38. (S) A 3 February 2000 e-mail message from an officer assigned to the Office of the Comptroller tC and the Chief of (b)(3) (b)(3) ORMS said that Wanted them to have (b)(7)(c) a list of significant emaining in fiscal Agency unfunded Programs year 2000. Five programs totalini were listed. The (b)(1) "there is a good chance all or part of these officer said that taxed to pay for that the programs." (b)(3) directorates will be (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 39. (S) On 15 February 2000, the Chief of Budget Operations in � the Comptroller's Office informed each Directorate and the DCI Area of the "next" round of taxes to be levied in fiscal year 2000 Subsequent e-mail messages within the DC) discussed how to allocate this tax on various DO components. nary, an OCA officer informed and others in an e-mail message that the "with not receiving tax data on each DO Division. In response tated that DCI Tenet had asked her to "put together the whole story on the DO funding issue." said "the 'tax' issue needs to be addressed from an Agency's sic perspective--why we have them, what we are doing about it, etc." � 41. (S) In a 23 March 2000 memorandum to DCI Tenet, DDCI Gordon, and ExDir Carey entitled "Critical Budget Issues," DDO James Pavitt stated: "As you know, DO line divisions are operating on very tight budgets this year . . The primary cause is funding realignments at the Directorate and Agency level." (b)(1) (b)(1) (b)(3) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 16 SECRET! /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET//X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY 42. (S) Field Stations' Response During Congressional Visits. Following Congressional visits to Agency facilities overseas, Chiefs of Station summarize the visit in a cable to OC A with an informaii7 copy to the relevant DO area division. the Chief of Station (COS' reported his discussion of "funding" issues with HPSCI Chairman Porter Goss. The COS relayed that "In reply to query from [Chairman]/HPSCI concerning funding, COS noted that monies in FY-00 were going to be tight. COS observed that Station's FY-00 counterterrorism [CT] budget was pn (sic) FY-99." 43. (S) reported on his budget-related discussions with Representative James Moran, who is a member of the House Appropriations Committee (HAC)/Subcommittee on National Security. He said: In reply to Rep Moran's query concerning what he could do for the Station, COS observed that all indicators pointed to a very tight FY- 2000 budget for the Directorate o COS noted that Station's FY-00 budget would be of FY-99.... Rep Moran observed that he was not aware o the budget difficulties facing the Directorate [of Operations] and observed that he would welcome dialogue with the DCI and/or DDO to see how he might be of assistance in this area. reported he spoke with Representative Peter King at Representative Moran's request that he address the issue of "resources" with King. The COS said: When addressing the issue of the FY-2000 budget, COS made the same points to Rep King as he had made to Rep Moran. Rep King echoed Rep Moran's comments that he too was convinced that should the Directorate [of Operations] require additional funds to counter the threat of international terrorism, the DCI and/or DDO should raise the issue directly with the Hill. (b)(1) (b)(1) (b)(3) (b)(1) (b)(3) (b)(1) (b)(3) (b)(1) (b)(3) (b)(1) (b)(3) 17 SECRET//X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved 44. (Si for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET//X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY At the conclusion of a visit by HAC staff members to he COS reported his budget-related discussions with (b)(1) The COS reported he told the staff 1(6)65 then members that the Station did not (b)(3) have adequate resources to do its job and Provided details about the situation facine the S hon. the COS said as: (b)(1) (b)(3) ... broke operations: aid it ic enino In have dire rnn glatIllPTIrOC CM Allr (b)(1) (b)(3) Station in essence of the work will be in over the a retrograde movement and most past 18 months will be negated. if not all 45. (S) the COS eported (b)(1) he "pulled no punches" in answering Congressman Goss' question (b)(3) about the Station's blidget situation. The COS said he an (b)(3) ... stated our conviction that the ad hoc-like budgeting process is unclear and inadequate and our regret that this annual ordeal now rtlireater to impact field operations.... Specifically, COS and old Goss that Stations are facing an reduction for FY-2000 in discretionary [operational] and Einapilglita ement] funds, and that had actually received a eduction figure, which we have appealed. 46. (U/ /AIUO) Senior Officers' Views on Agency Practice Concerning 'Waxes." ExDir Carey states that there is no policy within the Agency regarding discussions about "internal taxes." Carey says that, specifically, there is not a policy not to speak of taxes with the Committees. Carey says the request was not to speak about matters not personally known to a CIA officer or within the officer's purview. The policy for CIA officers was, and is, to answer questions within the officer's field of knowledge and to refer other budget- related matters to the CFO. To avoid offices going to Congress to (b)(1)b)(3) (b)(3) (b)(1) (b)(3) 18 SECRET! /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) plead their own case, however, Carey says the Agency leadership supported the position that the CFO was the one definitive source of information to Congress on budget matters. The advice to Agency components was if they are asked about the status of funds in their Directorate, they should not provide an answer unless the broad Directorate perspective, such as ADDO/RPP alone would have in the DO. 47. (U/ /AIUO) says the practice of the CFO's office is that if a Congressional staff member requests information on budget issues, it is advisable to coordinate the response with the CFO's Office. explains that the integrity of the budget process is important, and the Agency must have a means of ensuring the information it is providing to the Congressional overseers is accurate, complete, and timely. The o ve of the CFO's Office is to provide accurate information does not believe there is confusion over this practice; it has no c anged, and the CFO and Comptroller have always been the focal point for budget questions from Congress. At the same time tates her office has never decreed that a document cannot be provided to Congress when requested, although the CFO's office enge the budget numbers provided by a component. says she has instructed components to be responsive to the fl1 an as requested that any material provided to Congress also be provided to the CFO's office with a copy for the record. 48. (U/ /ARJO) says CIA practice is to coordinate issues of resources with the Comptroller's Office before an officer or operating component goes to Congress, Office of Management and Budget, or the Community Management Staff. explains that there is no intent to get CIA officers to change what they intend to say. Rather, it is the role of the Comptroller, working with or through OCA, to explain how the entire budget is affected by specific resource decisio t these decisions in the context of the Agency as a whole. xplains the (b)(3) (b)(3 (b)(7)(c) (b)(3 (b)(7 (c) 19 SECRET/ /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET//X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY Comptroller's Office puts reprogramming decisions in context�not just where the money is being taken from, but where it is going and why. (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) 49. (U/ /AlUO) states that since the 16 March 2000 HPSCI hearing, Agency practice on discussing internal taxes with the HPSCI and SSCI has changed. Individual offices may address internal tax issues or resource issues with the committees, but the Comptroller's Office reserves the right to disagree with budget figures presented by individual offices. while not sure, believes this arrangement was discussed between ExDir Carey and the then-Staff Director of the HPSCI, John Millis. 50. (U/ /AlUO) who served in that position fron says the guidance to Agency employees on the subject of taxes has been not to volunteer information, but to answer any Congressional (b)(3) questions fully and accurately, who currently serves as (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) the Devutv Director of recalls ADDS&T Runyan relaying a story about either DCI Tenet or ExDir� Carey pounding the table in February 2000 saying it is very important that Agency officers support the corporate budget.6 says these kinds of exhortations�support the President's budget while answering all Congressional questions completely�are made all the time. 51. (U/ /AlUO) ays that prior to 16 March 2000, there was no specific guidance on handling questions about internal taxes. There are, however, long-standing guidelines to notify Con en specifically appropriated funds are reallocated, says she has never heard any guidance that the Agency sho not talk about internal taxes. She explains there was frustration among senior Agency management in the first several months of 2000 that some Agency officers were making unilateral 6 (U/AIU0) In reviewing a draft of this Report, Carey asserted that he is "not prone to the pounding of desks." (b)(3) 20 SECRET! /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET//X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) approaches to Congressional staff members and "whining" about cuts to their budgets. ays senior Agency management felt many Agency personnelnot understand the reasons for cuts in the budget. does not remember anyone saying "tell your folks to stop whining," but says it is plausible. (b)(3 (b)(7)(c) 52. (U/ /AIUO) recalls a meeting of the senior Agency managers�either at the DCI's morning staff meeting or an Executive Board meeting�where the frustration level of the ExDir's office was very high following discussions by DO officers in the field with Congressional staff members. recalls DDO Pavia felt field (b)(3) officers should be honest in their views. recalls Pavia was (b)(7)(c) told that despite d et cuts, there were always sufficient funds for good operations. o advised that budget concerns should be raised with the Executive Director and the CFO, and not directly with Congress. Only the CFO's Office can provide the appropriate perspective. For example, according lic c tsd �17 many DO officers. (b)(3) According tcn7 many DO officers � not realize the DO was (b)(7)(c) taxing the DO divisions in addition to the corporate taxes levied by the Agency at large. observed that DO officers were seen to be pursuing their own agenda given their access to Congressional that was ultimately expressed to :Itity Directors. (b)(3) and staff delegations in the field. aid this led to frustration (b)(7)(c) 53. (U/ /AIUO) In regard to the specific issue of whether CIA considers the subject of internal taxes to be out of bounds for discussion with Congressn�explains that the Agency does not, as a rule, share with Congress internal Agency management deliberations. While the broader question of whether there are internal taxes in the Agency is not out of boundsn7states that the specifics of what is discussed when programs are being compared for reductions would not be discussed unless there is specific Congressional interest. 21 SECRET! /X1 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 54. (S) DDO Pavitt recalls ;tating that any information given to the Hill needs to go through the CFO to ensure consistency. Pavitt says he is familiar with this comment and has heard it in other instances. Pavia also says he has heard the sentiment expressed about not going to the Hill with budget spreadsheets without first coordinating with the CFO, and the statement that internal taxes are out of bounds for discussion with Congress. Pavitt describes this as the conventional wisdom in the Agency�from the Comptroller, CFO, and ExDir. Pavia explains that FY2000 began with in unfundnd programs or (b)(1) needs. It is now down to about The practice was (b(3l) not to discuss internal taxes, until the 16 March 2000 hearing. It (b)(3) changed after the hearing. � 55. (U//A1U0) Pavitt says he has been at odds with senior Agency management at what he sees as the inability of the Agency to tell Congress what it needs from a resource perspective. Pavitt says his advice has been to be honest on budget requests. Pavia believes internal taxing is not an effective way to meet resource needs. Pavia says his views are well known, and he has spoken candidly to DCI Tenet, former Deputy DO John Gordon, Deputy DCI for Community Management nnd ExDir Carey. Pavia believes the Agency should be honest with its resource needs. Pavia describes himself as outspoken on this issue. 56. (U//A1U0) Pavitt says that in February 2000, when concern was expressed about Agency officers speaking about internal taxes with Congress, the DS&T was not the focus of the concern. Rather, it was the DO. Pavia says he told senior Agency management that he would not tolerate insubordination in his officers, but if they were asked a question by a Congressman or staff member during a Congressional delegation visit to the field, they would answer the question. Pavia says he received criticism directed at his Chiefs of Stations who spoke to Congressional delegations about resource needs. Pavitt says, however, he could not chastise them because he insists that they do the right thing. (b)(1) 22 SECRET! X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 57. (S) ADDO/RPP xplains that the DO's budget shortfalls had become acute. There were insufficient funds to operate specific programs. While the "top line" of the DO budget had increased, the DO's operational budget was declining. says when DDO Pavitt and he discussed this situation with DCI Tenet and others, they did not report good news says that while Carey probably was not happy the DO had raised i difficulties, Carey never tried to tell either Pavitt or not to speak to Congress. 58. (U/ /AlUO) DDS&T Isham says it is not right to say CIA regards the subject of taxes as out of bounds for discussion with Congressional staff. Isham believes an open dialogue is needed with Congress. Individual officers, however, do not always know the whole story at the Directorate level. 59. (U/ /AIUO) ADDS&T Runyan recalls guidance from on 25 February 2000 that if Agency officers are talking to Congressional staff members, they should coordinate with the Comptroller and the CFO. Runyan believe tatement on 25 February was probably not the first time he had heard of the need to coordinate budget information with the Comptroller and CFO. (b)(3) (b)(3) (b)(3) (b)(3) 60. (U/ /AIUO) DS&T Chief of Staff explains (b)(3) there has been a traditional problem when CIA program managers (b)(7)(c) meet with Congressional staff members. In the course of conversation, program managers have been known to complain about the lack of funding for their program. says the issue of (b)(3) how to respond to Congressional questions re arding internal taxes (b)(7)(c) had been raised at DS&T staff meetings. advised DS&T (b)(3) offiters to answer as honestly as possible relative to their individual program and not to speculate. stimates that 98 percent of CIA (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c officers who brief their programs to Congress do not know how their budget numbers were derived. Most Agency officers are not specifically knowledgeable about internal taxes. 23 SECRET/ /X1 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY WHAT GUIDANCE WAS ISSUED BY THE DIRECTORATE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ON 25 FEBRUARY 2000 CONCERNING THE DISCUSSION OF "INTERNAL TAXES" WITH CONGRESS? 61. (U/ /AIUO) DS&T Plans Chieil issued guidance within the DS&T in a Lotus Notes e-mail message of 25 February 2000 to 18 recipients, including the nine office-level plans chiefs. The Lotus Notes message, classified "Secret," was entitled "Cuationary Note: Discussion of Internal Taxes (sic)."8 a Senior Intelligence Service (SIS)-01 officer who was serving as the Chief, Planning and Resources Group in the Office of the DS&T at the time. 62. (U/ /AIUO) The Lotus Note (Exhibit B) was addressed to the planning and resource chiefs in the nine offices of the DS&T. Included as a "blind carbon copy" recipient of the Lotus Not& was James Runyan, a Defense Intelligence Senior Executive Service (DISES)-5 officer serving as the ADDS&T.10 An info addressee wa art 5I5-04 officer, who w immediate supervisor and serves as Director, Business Strategies and Resource Center and concurrently as Chief of Staff to the DDS&T. Seven other members of the DS&T front office were also information addressees. 7 (U) CIA uses Lotus Notes e-mail for classified and unclassified internal communications. 8 (U/ /AlUO) Exhibit B contains the full text of this Lotus Notes e-mail message. 9 (U/ /AlUO) As a "blind carbon copy (bcc)" recipient of a Lotus Note, Runyan's name does not appear on a copy of the Lotus Note received or printed by the sender or the other recipients. Runyan says he received a copy of the Lotus Note, and OIG obtained confirmation that Runyan was a "bcc" recipient. 1� (1-V /AlUO) The DISES rank is a Department of Defense level that replaced the Senior Cryptologic Executive (SCE) level previously used by the National Security Agency (NSA) and is equivalent to the SIS and Senior Executive Service. Runyan was detailed to the CIA from NSA in January 1997. He was appointed to his current position on 10 January 2000. (b)(3) (b)(7)(b) (b)(3) (b)(7)(b) (b)(3) (b)(7)(b) 24 SECRET/ /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY 63. (IV/MOO) First Discussion with Runyan. nThecalls that sometime as early as the week of 14 to 18 February 2000 Runyan returned from the daily 8:15 a.m. DCI Staff meeting and told her that at that meeting, it had been reported that Congressional staff members had been hearing "complaints" from DO Field Stations about the impact of internal taxation on operational activities?' There was concern expressed in the DCI's morning meeting about the ramifications of such comments. F7,says Runyan made it clear that he had no indication it was DS&T employees in the field who had made such comments. 64. (U/ /ARJO) According t Runyan asked her to caution DS&T staff about the need to refrain from comm the issue of internal taxes to Congressional staff members. says that she did not want to telephone the nine DS&T Plans Chiefs with this message, because she feared there would be nine different rversin7 of what she said. So, she decided to draft a Lotus Note. oes not recall anyone else being present when Runyan instructed her to convey tIc__�,;:�ncern over discussions of internal taxes to DS&T officers 1 reviewed her notebook and advised that she has no notes of this instruction. 65. (U/ /AIUO) states that she is not certain when she was originally instructed by Runyan to provide this guidance to the DS&T offices. She initially believed it was during the week of 21 February 2000. Upon further reflection, best recollection is sometime during the previous workweek. She explained that prior to 16 March 2000 when she learned that Congressman Goss read an Agency Lotus Note that sounded like the one she had drafted, she did not consider the guidance in her Lotus Note to be extraordinary. She did not take notes on what occurred leading up to the issuance of the Lotus Note and did not pay particular attention if it was DCI Tenet or ExDir Carey who reportedly made the statements that were 11 (U//AIU0) The DO presides at a staff meeting usually each weekday at 8:15 a.m. with the exception of Wednesdays. There is a staff meeting for an expanded staff on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c 25 SECRET//X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY relayed to her by Runyan. recognizes that there are gaps in her recollection of the events leading up to the issuance of the Lotus Note. She explains that Runyan's instruction was an unremarkable event initially. The guidance she received from Runyan was similar to what she had heard previously, and for that reason, she uncharacteristically did not rush to send the guidance to her subordinate Plans Officers. 66. (U//AlUO) Second Discussion with Runyan. ays Runyan returned from the 8:15 a.m. DCI Staff meeting possibly on Wednesday, 23 February 2000. Runyan reportedly relayed the continued concern over discussion of internal taxes by personnel in the field. This time, there was fist-pounding on the table during the discussion, according tO believes she heard it was Carey who pounded his fist. At a subsequent meeting later that day, Runyan repeated the message and told the DS&T Office Chiefs that the seventh floor was emphatic on this subject. Runyan told the Board of Directors that would be sending them guidance. 67. (U/ /AIUO) According t the week of 21 February 2000 was very busy for her because it was the budget "roll-out" week, when the Ag7itiudget was presented to Congressional oversight staff says she drafted the 25 February 2000 Lotus Note sometime on 23 or 24 February 2000 and provided it in draft to Runyan to approve. She does not remember if she carried the draft to Runyan or sent it electronically.I2 She says Runyan was "very, very concerned" to get the tone of the Lotus Note ri t so that DS&T people in the field would not feel accused. sa she did not want the tone of the message to be accusatory. asserts that Runyan reviewed her Lotus Note draft and had no_comments or questions nor did he make any edits to the document believes this occurred on the day of transmission or the prior day. Runyan probably walked into her office and told her that it was acceptable. After the 25 February 2000 Lotus Note (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 12 (1-WAIU0) No copy of a draft version Of the message frorrn to Runyan has been found. (b)(3) (b)(7)(c 26 SECRET/ /X1 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY was sent to the DS&T office-level Chiefs of Plans, received no comments or questions until after the 16 March 2000 HPSCI hearing. .xplains that the Plans Chiefs are accustomed to receiving "strict 'dance" from her because of the nature of her position. ays the Plans Chiefs may or may not have forwarded the message to others, but she does not know. 68. (U/ /AlUO) asserts that the statement in the Lotus Note on taxation reflecting poorly on Agency management was not her language. says she does not talk like this. She says she paraphrased it from what Runyan said. says she never thought of this point before. She says she used the expression "7th floor" in the message, rather than anyone's name, because she did not want the tone of the message to be accusatory. says her concern in drafting the message was to ensure there was not an accusatory tone. Runyan gave the oecific guidance for the message and approved the Lotus Not I states. says she did not immediately draft the Lotus Note when Runyan first asked her to pass the guidance because she needed to consider the tone of the note to ensure that it would not accuse DS&T people. 69. (U/ /ARJO) xplains she italicized the phrase in the Lotus Note "... that the CIA regards this subject matter as out of bounds for discussion with staffers or our Committees" to emphasize direct comments made in the DCI Staff meeting, according to what Runyan told her says the succeeding line in the Lotus Note�"CIA taxes are an internal issue, and one that often reflects (poorly) on Agency performance in planning, managing, and executing our programs"�also was a direct comment ItTlarIP in the Dr1 Staff meeting, according to what Runyan tol0. states that she was never instructed to fell DS&T employees to "close ranks," as was reported by the employee who made the original allegation to the OIG. (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (1::)(5�)� (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 27 SECRET//X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA/OR; LOAN COPY (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 70. (U/ /AIUO) says that Runyan was just advisin DS&T officers to be prudent in the Lotus Note's message. did not intend to tell them to be less than forthcoming with Congress, nor did Runyan intend this. asserts that she was simply communicating Agency policy on this matter as conveyed by her senior manager: questions of internal taxation were not to be discussed with Congress.saw she never even thought of the issue of dealing with Congress. says she was tired, and it was late when she drafted the Lotus Note.13 She was embarrassed she had not drafted the note before Runyan mentioned it a second time at the DS&T Board of Directors meeting.n�Isays that although she never considered the issue of dealing with Congress when she wrote the 25 February Lotus Note, when she reread it on 16 March, she could recognize how it was interpreted as an instruction to withhold information from Congress. 71. (U/ /AIUO) Runyan says he customarily attends the 8:15 a.m. DCI Staff meetings on Thursdays and alternate Fridays in place of Isham. By consulting his calendar, Runyan reported that Isham attended the DCI morning meetings on 22 or 23 February, and he attended the meetings on 24 and 25 Febniary.14 Runyan says there was no discussion of the issue of CIA "internal taxes" at the 24 or 25 February 2000 DCI meetings. Runyan says furthermore that he does not recall a discussion of "taxes" at any DCI meeting he has attended. 72. (UHAIU0) Runyan reviewed his handwritten notes of the 25 Feb .15 a.m. staff meeting and says that at that meeting aid if Agency officers are talking to Congressiona s members, they should coordinate with the Comptroller and the CFO. According to Runyan aid that there were spreadsheets with budget details being shared with 13 (U/ /AIUO) The Lotus Note was transmitted on Friday, 25 February 2000 at 9:19 p.m. 14 (U/ /AIUO) According to the notes of the DC Staff meeting, Runyan attended the Wednesday, 23 February meeting at 10:45 an., as well as the 8:15 a.m. meetings on 24 and ( 25 February. (b)(3) 1(651(55(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 28 SECRET/ /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /XI CIA/OIG LOAN COPY Congressional staff members. Runyan does not recall Carey making any remarks, and he has nothing in his notes to indicate that Carey said anything about internal taxes. According to Runyan, his notes from the 25 February 2000 DCI Staff meeting state: "Mary: Information to Committees/Staffers�Please coordinate with CFO/Comptroller. Offices going down with spreadsheets. Bad budgeting and execution is the cause." (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 73. (U/ /A.11.10) Runyan says he took notes at the DCI Staff meeting as he saw fit, and Runyan believed wha cn17 was asking was to coordinate with the Comptroller and 40 before going to the Hill. l'Ilinv-2-�tates that this instruction was the basis for his instruction t Runyan says he told to tell the office Plans Chiefs to be sure the DS&T was not part of the problem. 74. (U/ /AIUO) Runyan does not recall hearing or being told that Carey discussed the issue of internal taxes at the DCI morning meetings during the week of 22 through 25 February 2000.15 Runyan says if it was discussed, it was not important enough for him to make a note. When Runyan was informed that the notetaker's notes indicate that Carey spoke with the Deputy Directors about budget cuts after the 25 February 2000 meeting, Runyan responded that he does not recall attending a separate meeting on 25 February with the ExDir. 75. (UHAIU0) When asked if Carey slammed his fist or used profanity, Runyan responds that he has no recollection of Carey ever pounding his fist. He also has no recollection of Carey displaying anger or frustration. Runyan says he has no recollection of DCI Tenet, Carey, or others pounding the table at a DCI morning staff meeting in regard to this subject matter. 15 (U) Monday, 21 February 2000 was President's Day, a legal holiday. � (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 29 SECRET! /XI Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 76. (U/ /AIUO) Runyan says when he returned from the 25 February 2000 DCI meeting, he called into his office and indicated that there was a request to coordinate with the Comptroller if Agency personnel were talking to Congressional staff members about budget matters. Runyan says he toldn7he did not want DS&T officers causing7 any problems. Runyan does not recall if anyone besides as present at this meeting, and observes it could have been a one-on-one meeting. 77. (U//A1U0) Runyan says he cannot explain why Lotus Note of 25 February did not contain any reference to statement at the 25 February DCI morning staff meeting about coordinating with the CFO before going to the Hill. Run an does not know why�if that was not containe he did not revie t of his message t that it tus Note of that day Runyan thinks Lotus Note before it was issued and cannot explain the omission. He says he sees many Lotus Notes. 78. (U/ /MVO) Runyan says that as of the guidance from Corrado at the 8:15 a.m. staff meeting, afted the 25 February 2000 Lotus Note to the DS&T office-level Plans Officers. There were also "carbon copy" addressees of this Lotus Runyan says he did not intend, one way or another, for to put his message into a Lotus Note or e it through phone calls. He adds that he did not specify ho should promulgate the guidance. Runyan expected tha esyage to the Plans Chiefs of each DS&T office would be passed to the office directors. Runyan says that as a [former] office director, he probably would have passed the instruction "If we are headed to the Hill, let's coordinate with the Comptroller" to his eroun chiefs. Runyan states that he did not have the impression tha truction was aimed at personnel in the field, and he thd not see it that way either, so the message probably would not have been conveyed to the field. (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(3)(c) (b)(3)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (6)(3)(c) (b)(7)(c) 30 SECRET//X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET! /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY 79. (U/ /AIUO) Runyan avers that he rea 25 February 2000 Lotus Note, but he does not remember if he read it prior to its issuance or afterwards. Runyan says, in any case, he read it within 24 hours because he tries to keep current with his Lotus Notes e-mails. Runyan say Lotus Note did not raise any particular "flags" with him. Runyan observes that an SIS-rank officer, and overall, he sees very few Lotus Notes from prior to her formal dissemination. 80. (U/ /AIUO) Runyan states that he read the Lotus Note either before or very shortly after it was sent. Asked to estimate the likelihood that he sa Lotus Note prior to its issuance, Runyan says he cannot make an estimation. Runyan added that if ays she showed the Lotus Note to him before she sent it, as a better memory than he does. Runyan does not recall orwarding the Lotus Note to Isham prior to 16 March and does not know if Isham saw the Lotus Note prior to 16 March 2000.16 81. (U/ /AIUO) Runyan recalls mentioning the request to coordinate with the Comptroller at the DS&T Board of Directors meeting the following Monday, 28 February 2000.17 According to Runyan, he told the Board�composed of the DS&T Chiefs� that there was "7th floor" guidance to coordinate an ould be sending out guidance. Runyan says it was "not a big deal.' 82. (U//AIUO) Runyan says that on 16 March 2000, following the HPSCI bu � g that Isham attended, Isham came into his office and tol d him about the controversy that erupted at the hearing regarding the alleged Agency guidance on internal taxes. Runyan volunteered to Isham that "we" sent a note out and located it (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) ,,,,,,(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 16 (U//AIU0) No information has been found to indicate that Isham or anyone more senior than Runyan received the Lotus Note prior to 16 March 2000. 17 (U/ /AIUO) According to the notes taken by the 0Th officer who was representing the Director, GIS at this meeting,. the meeting occurred on Wednesday. 1 March 2000. The only relevant portion was attributed to DS&T Chief of Staff The notes read as follows: (b)(3) "Be sure to coordinate requests from staff, OMB, etc (example HIPSCI (sic) briefing.)." (b)(7)(c) 31 SECRET! /X1 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CTA/OIG LOAN COPY in his Lotus N box."18 This was the 25 February 2000 Lotus Note sent by called "Cuationary Note (sic)." According to Runyan, there was nothing remarkable about the 25 February 2000 Lotus Note that prompted hint to keep it in his Lotus Notes queue. He only periodically clears his incoming Lotus Notes queue. 83. (URAIU0) With respect to whether the 25 February 2 Lotus Note was consistent with the guidance he provided Runyan says that he thinks his guidance was much more general Commenting on the 25 February 2000 Lotus Note: � Runyan says he does not recall that the sentence that "CIA taxes are an internal issue. .." was ever said at a DCI morning staff meeting or any other meeting he attended. He does not believe he said this ton7 � In regard to the statement that CIA taxes are an internal issue that "reflects (poorly) on Agency performance in planning, managing, and executing our programs," Runyan says that this does not sound like a sentence he would say. � However, Runyan adds it is hard not to philosophically agree with the statement. � With regard to the statement that "CIA regards this subject as out of bounds for discussion with staffers or our Committees." Runyan says he does not think that he specifically said this. His guidance was more general. 84. (UHAIU0) Runyan explains the purpose of the Lotus Note was to say that if someone was going to discuss budget issues with Congress, they needed to be in synch with the overall Agency (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 18 (u/ /Aim tes Runyan's recollection that he volunteered that "we" sent out the (131(31 Lotus Note. Insteaintends that she volunteered this information to Isham without (b)(3)(c) hesitation because s following Runyan's instructions when she prepared the (b)(7)(c) guidance. 32 SECRET/ /X1 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET! /X1 C1A/OIG LOAN COPY program. He did not read the Lotus Note as suggesting that employees withhold information or be less than candid with Congress. 85. (U/ /AIUO) Runyan states he did not take note of the Lotus Note "one way or another" after reading it He wanted to ensure that DS&T personnel were not part of the Comptroller's problem even though no one at the DCI staff meeting suggested that the DS&T was the problem. Runyan says the Lotus Note was probably not written in the way he would have worded it. Runyan states he did not dictate the note to nor did he amend or contravene it after he read it. 86. (U//A1U0) Asked whyrwould have garbled his message in the 25 February 2000 Lotus Note, Runyan says this question assume garbled it. Runyan says the thrust of his message to her is in her Lotus Note. Runyan does not read the Lotus Note as a call to "stonewall Congress. 87. (U/ /AIUO) Isham says she had an appointment outside the building on the morning of 25 February 2000 and arrived late in her office that day. Isham does not recall meeting with the DCI or ExDir on 25 February in regard to any issue concerning budget cuts. She does not recall being informed of any guidance concerning budget matters resulting from the 8:15 a.m. DCI Staff meeting that day. 88. (U///1U0) Isham says she first learned 4-7 25 February 2000 Lotus Note in the evening of 16 March 2000 following a hearing at the HPSCI on the CIA budget program. Isham attended that hearing, where Goss raised the issue of Agency guidance on discussion of taxes with Congress. 89. (UHAIU0) Upon returning from the hearing, Isham met in Runyan's office with Runyan and others, includin who wanted feedback from the hearing. Isham reported the "rather (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 33 SECRET! /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET! /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY excoriating language" used in Goss' opening comments. observed that Goss' comments might refer to a Lotus Note she had sent. Runyan provided Isham with a copy of the 25 February 2000 Lotus Note. Isham said it was the first time she had seen it Isham says she and Runyan informed the DC the evening of 16 March of this situation. Carey was not in his office, and he was informed the next day of the DS&T Lotus Note. 90. (U//AILTO) Isham understands that Lotus Note was written after Runyan attended an 8:15 a.m. DCI Staff meeting. The meeting included a discussion of activities in relation to the Hill, and the attendees were instructed to talk to their staffs about working with the Hill, particularly in the area of not competing one program against another program. 91. (U/ /AlUO) Isham does not know if Runyan reviewed Lotus Note before it was issued on 25 February 2000, but she doubts it was brought to him in advance because that is uncommon. According to Isham, Carey was not aware that Runyan had seen the 25 February 2000 Lotus Note until she and Runyan informed him on 17 March 2000. 92. (U//AlUO) 'sham observes that the language used in the Lotus Note does not appear to be Runyan's words, as it is not consistent with Runyan's personality to talk like this. Isham says there is no way that he would give direction not to cooperate with the Hill. Isham views the language as "sharp" and notes thatn7is a very skillful writer who may have "sharpened" what Runyan said. 93. (U//AlUO) Isham states that it is not reasonable to expect that the Lotus Notes of a senior Agen officer are reviewed before they are sent. Isham points out that is a senior officer. Isham says the DS&T acknowledge otus Note immediately after the 16 March hearing. Isham is not even stir note was the (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(3)(c) ((b)(3)c) (b)(7)(c 34 SECRET! X1 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY one that Goss referenced. Isham states tha is well aware that she would not write the 25 February 2000 Lotus Note the same way if she had to do it again. 94. (U/ /AIUO) the DS&T Chief of Staff and Director of the Business Strategies and Reso er, who was kiirect supervisor at the time, describe as a brilliant, independent and conscientious officer who is intense about her job and usually exhibits good judgment. 95. (U//AIU0)-7explains that he did not see Lotus Note before she transmitted it. recalls thatn7sent the Lotus Note in the evening, and he saw it the following work day. explains that it was addressed to the Plans Chiefs in the DS&T and therefore he did not read the Lotus Note closely, recalls that he deleted it from his computer e-mail queue after he received it. says he should have focused on it at the time he received it. He believes the Lotus Note was not intended to be read as to appear so harsh in tone and no one envisioned that it was going beyond the DS&T plans staff. explains that it is not unusual forn7to generate eight to ten Lotus Notes a day, and he does not always read them thoroughly. He adds that he is aware that neither Isham nor Runyan read the volume of Lotus Notes they rec does not know if Isham originally received Lotus Note. 96. ((J//AIU0) knowledge on the genesis of from Runyan an that states that he did not have firsthand Lotus Note. He understands believes she was following instructions from Runyan to put out the Lotus Note to the Plans Chiefs. does not believe that received the actual language used in the Lotus Note from Runyan and states that he does not know if Runyan reviewed the Lotus Note befor transmitted it. attributes the inexact message written b as the effort of someone who was working long hours and prepared the Lotus Note late in the evening. If the message came from Runyan, elieves that the words would have come out more (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(3)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(3)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(3)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (p)(3) (b)(3)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 35 SECRET/ /X1 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET//X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY "benignly.' says that the language in the Lotus Note did not sound like something that would have come from Runyan, and it was not DS&T policy. does not recall if this subject was raised at the weekly DS&T staff meetings that were held on Wednesdays. His calendar reflected that there was a DS&T staff meeting on Wednesday 23 February 2000 from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. 97. (U/ /AIUO) say told him that Runyan discussed the matter in a morning meeting after Runyan attended a DCI Staff meeting. remembers a concern being discussed about moving money to pay for infrastructure, but he cannot connect that discussi � time period, recalls speaking with Runyan aft Lotus Note was quoted during a hearing with the HFSCI on 16 March 2000. says Runyan told him the DCI Staff meeting included some discussion of concerns expressed by Tom Newcomb, a HPSCI staff member, about "moving money." does not recall if Runyan stated that Carey pounded on the table when discussing the subject. n7assesses there was a "50/50 chance" that Runyan said it. However, he defers to the recollections o and Runyan. 98. (U//A1U0) states that he read Lotus Note in a different fashion than Congress may have interpreted it. When he reread it after a similar message was cited by Congressman Goss, he understood why Congress was disturbed.19 He explains that if he read it as an outsider, he would have been left with the impression that CIA had instructed its officers not to discuss the financial health of their programs with Congress. 99. (U/ /AIUO) believes that the intended message of 1Lotus Note was not to go to Congress without alerting senior management and to avoid hurting the Agency in exchanges with Congress interprets the message as an instruction to not take special pleadings or complaints to Congress; to exercise discretion in 19 (1-WAIU0) tates that he has spent 11 years of his CIA career in budget-related positions and is familiar with working with Congress in developing the Agency's budget. (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 1(651(55(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (12)(1)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(3)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 36 SECRET! /X1 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET! /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY "washing private laundry;" to recognize that there is give and take with the funds the Agency receives; and not to lie or dissemble to Congress. 100. (U/ /AIUO) Asked about the phrase in the Lotus Note, "we need to be sure that no DS&T folks raise the issues [of internal taxes] directly with staffers, even if prodded at briefings or during staff tours/visits, guidance. He t believe that this is wi_rot g: and unfortunate anyone gay O that guidance, and it was a case o eing dramatic and "embroidering with her prose? 101. (C) served as Runyan's Executive Assistant from February to late April 2000.20 He was present with and Runyan on 16 March 2000 when Isham returned from the earinrnd recounted Goss' ire over an Agency document At that point asked if the document could have been the Lotus Note she prepared. recalls Runyan explained to Isham that was referring to a Lotus Note he asked her to transmit. Runyan then went to his cmstiniter and retrieved and printed a copy of the Lotus Note sent b on 25 February 2000. Upon examining the Lotus Note, Isham indicated that it may be the document Goss was referencing. 102. (C) recalls that Isham's reaction to the Lotus Note indicated that she had not previously seen it. is certain he did not see the Lotus Note before it was sent. He explains that he was out of the office when it was prepared. If he had been at work, it is likely krould have ziven the draft of the Lotus Note to him before it went to Runyan. _______understands froin that she showed the Lotus Note to Runyan who approved it before she sent it out: (b)(3) 1(651(55(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) nDi(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(3)(c) (b)(7)(c) 20 (c) served as the Executive Assistant to former DDSILT Gary Smith from (b)(3) approximately June 1999 until January 2000 when Smith left the Agency. (b)(7)(c) 37 SECRET/ /X1 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY 103. (C) recalls that during a DS&T staff meeting in February 2000�he not remember the specific date�Runyan told o send a Lo tell DS&T staff employees not to "whine about taxation." recalls Runyan saying that the ExDir was tired of hearing about whining. If a Congressional staff delegation spoke with Agency personnel, they were instructed to say they were only program managers and the Congressional s should talk with the Comptroller regarding taxation issues office chiefs. ecalls at least two prior occasions where either states that R ed this guidance at a general DS&T session to Isham or Runyan told DS&T office directors that the ExDir was tired of discussions "outside the building" regarding taxes. also remembers Runyan telling DS&T office directors twice or Carey "pounding on the desk" about taxes when ot discussing internal taxes outside this building. as present at these meetings As was customary at that time, no minutes of the staff meetings were made. 104. (U//A1U0) Served in the DS&T from 1996 until April 2000, with his last position as Director of the Administrative Resources Center (ARC).21 emembers a particular occasion when Runyan spoke at the Wednesday, 1:30 p.m. DS&T staff meeting that he attended.22 could not remember �the exact date of it, but it was shortly after Runyan was appointed ADDS&T.23 recalls that Isham was on leave that week24 and Foggo thought this was the first or second occasion where Runyan represented the Directorate in the DCI Staff meeting. recalls that Runyan came to the meeting "atitter" as a result of what he heard at the DCI Staff meeting. Runyan spoke about Carey's annoyance with CIA personnel "tattling to Congress." (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(3)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 21 (U//AIU0) As Director of the ARC, vas one of the nine office directors in the DUET. (b)(3) 22 (U//AIU0) According t the most likely dates for this to have occurred were 9 or (b)(3)(c) 16 February or 1 March 2000. hvas away from Headquarters on 23 February 2000. (b)(7)(c) 23 (U//AIU0) Runyan became the ADDS&T on 10 January 2000. (b)(7)(c) 24 (U/ /AIU0) According to Isham, she was away from the office the week of 14-19 February 2000. 38 SECRET//X1 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY 105. (U/ /AKIO) says he cannot remember if Runyan's presentation at the DS&T staff meeting was during the "open session" or the "sensitive session" which occurs with fewer DS&T senior representatives. emembers Runyan saying that the ExDir was angry that there had been "whining" and "leaks" to Congress. Agency program managers were running to Congress. Carey wanted the components to tell their people to stay "within guidance." That is, after the IDCI had made the decision regarding allocation of funds and the levying of "internal taxes," Agency personnel were to be loyal and support the decision. According to Runyan explained that Carey stated that the taxes were necessary and it was an executive decision in a brutal process. stated that he has destroyed his notes of that meeting. 106. (U/ /AIUO) tates that none of what he heard Runyan say that day was new to him. He had heard for years while working at Headquarters that internal taxes are an internal matter and should not be talked about with Congress. specifically remembers Runyan saying that Carey pounded the table and Runyan (b)(3) mimicked that motion in his staff meeting. (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 107. (U/ /AIU0) Deputy Director of recalls attending a weekly DS&T staff meeting she believes was on 23 February 2000 chaired by Runyan. At the meeting, Runyan relayed a story about either DCI Tenet or Carey pounding the table saying that it is very important Agency officers support the corporate budget. pecifically recalls Runyan pounded the table to indicate that Carey or Tenet forcefully conveyed this message. says that these kinds of exhortations are made all the time�support the President's budget while answering all Congressional questions completely. This is not a novel message, and was not a "big deal" at the time. � (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c ??A03)) 39 SECRET//X1 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 . Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET//X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY 108. (IV /AIUO) OIG reviewed notes taken by a representative from the DS&T/OTS during the 23 February 2000 DS&T staff meeting. There was no reference to any discussion of the need to support the corporate budget or anything similar to the message in the 25 February 2000 Lotus Note. 109. (U/ /AIUO) OIG also reviewed notes taken during the Friday, 25 February 2000 DCI 8:15 a.m. staff meeting. These notes contained the following entries: (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) Receiving Hill questions re: budget any info given to Hill needs to go thru CFO to be consistent (plus up, taxes) no direct info- Dave [Carey] Some offices going down with spreadsheets DCI [Tenet] very angry offices had to take cuts across the board going down to Hill complaining [Entry in the marginz]. (b)(3) 110. (U/ /AIUO) the notetaker interpreted (b)(7)(c) her notes as follows. The term "taxes" meant cuts. as saying that she was receiving calls from Congress on budget figures different from the approved figures and that the source of the inaccurate figures was Agency officers in various meetings with (b)(3) Congress. Carey affirm statements t some (b)(7)(c) offices were going downtown with spreadsheets ays that DCI Tenet appeared incredulous and commente e co � not believe�implying that after all the meetings with offices on budget and budget cuts shared across the board�CIA officers were acting in that manner "behind our backs" when there was an agreement on the budget allocation figures that each component is to receive. (b)(3) 25 (U/ /AIM) The notetake explains that if the DCI responds to something (b)(7)(c) said by a principal at the mee iry Dim MAUD 's comment to the left margin next to the speaker's name. 40 SECRET//X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06.230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 111. (U/ /AIUO) notes taken during the Monday, 28 February 2000 DCI 8:15 a.m. staff meeting contain the following entries: budget roll-out staffers (Fri) Newcomb reangriment or ds, have to go down follow-up. May lead to new restrictions. Dave [Carey] talked to ODs [Deputy Directors] about it (budget cuts) [Entry in the margin] 112. (U/ /AIUO) stateEn7was apparently reporting the events on the preceding work day, 25 February, when HPSCI staff member Tom Newcomb expressed concern about CIA reprogramming funds. According t terpretation of her notes in the margin zomment led Carey to say that he had spoken to the Deputy Directors about budget cuts, seemingly in reference to the comments made by the DO on 25 February 2000 (above).26 113. (U/ /AIUO) states that she has never heard any guidance provided at the DCI Staff meetings that could be at internal taxes should not be discussed with ays that the guidance regarding taxes came d it was that she t CIA employees taking erroneous numbers to Congress. has never heard anything to suggest that an Agency emp oyee s ould not raise the issues with Congressional staffers "even if prodded." It was pression that the guidance was not to avoid going to ongress, but rather to first check with the CFO. interpreted Congress.r only from 26 (U/ /A1U0) According to Carey would have had to hold this discussion with the Deputy Directors between the conclusion of Friday's 8:15 a.m. meeting and the beginning of Monday's meeting. (b)(3) 27 (U/ /A1U0Os served as the Chief of the since August (b)(7)(c) 1999, and she primary notetalcer for these meetings throughout this period. (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) 41 SECRET/ /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET//X1 CIA/01G LOAN COPY (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 114. (U//AIUO) could not locate any notes from the e UC1 Staff meetings for the period of 22 through 28 February 2000. does not remember either DCI Tenet or Carey expressing anger or frustration at the morning staff meeting. She does not remember Tenet or Carey pounding on a table. remembers Tenet urging proper coordination with the CFO and OCA. That is, resource information given to Congress should be vetted with the CFO's office. ecalls that some documents went to Congress before they were reviewed for accuracy rkrythF0 recalls Carey saying "in stronger terms" that was being too polite when she requested the information i , om component and urging that the matters should be properly coordinated with the CFO. � 115. (UHAILJO) Carey recalls being approached by Isham on 17 March 2000, the day after they attended the HPSCI budget hearing. Isham informed Carey that she had identified the memorandum referenced by Goss as being a Lotus Note emanating from DS&T. Carey understands that upon Isham's return to the office following the hearing, Isham described the Lotus Note to members of her staff. Based on Isham's description, produced the Lotus Note which had been created b Carey requested a copy of the Lotus Note from Runyan, and Runyan forwarded a copy electronically on 17 March.28 In forwarding the Lotus Note to Carey, with a copy to Isham, Runyan included the following note: Dave, here is the note we sent out that was most likely the note mentioned to you in your hearing yesterday. As I said, the intent was to ensure that our folks in the DS&T were not compounding an issue by discussing "taxes" with visitors to sites etc (sic). I had asked that something be said to our office plans chiefs to remind them of their responsibility. The note was sent from our S&T plans (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 28 (II/ /AlUO) OIG obtained a copy of this e-mail message in tliircip se of this investigation. It contained the 'To" and "cc" (carbon copy) addressees, includini but did not include (b)(3) Runyan, who received a 'bcc" (blind carbon copy). (MG has not been able to determine how the (b)(7)(c) Mee: James L. Runyan" was removed from this e-mail message. 42 SECRET//X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET//X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY chief to the office plan chiefs (sic) and was not for broad distribution, but I have no idea if it was forwarded broadly out of the offices. Jim.29 116. (U/ /AIUO) Carey states that Isham told him on the day after the HPSCI hearing that Runyan told her of the Lotus Note. Carey emphasizes that Isham did not tell him that Runyan had seen the Lotus Note prior to the HPSCI hearing or that Runyan had commissioned it Carey states that he did not know that Runyan had seen the Lotus Note contemporaneous with its creation until his clic interview on 11 July 2000. 117. (U//AlUO) Runyan states that he is not certain about what specifically prompted him to forwarc Lotus Note to Carey on Friday, 17 March 2000. Runyan explains that, on the evening of 16 March, 'sham acknowledged that the DS&T was probably the source of the message quoted by HPSCI Chairman Porter Goss at the HPSCI hearing. Runyan explains that it "just made sense" for him to send the Lotus Note to Carey. Based on a review of DS&T office records, Runyan is reminded that Isham was out of the building the morning of 17 March, and the customary 8:15 am. DCI staff meeting was canceled that day. Runyan is further reminded by the office records that he had a breakfast meeting in Headquarters with four officials, including ExDir Carey, at 8:00 on 17 March. Upon reflection and recognition of the significance of the words from his Lotus Note to Carey, "As I said," Runyan reasoned that there may have been a personal conversation or phone call between Carey and him prior to Runyan's transmission of the Lotus Note to Carey. Runyan says he may have told Carey that he would send the Lotus Note to him. 118. (II/ /AlUO)Runyan states he is readily aware he was an original recipient o Lotus Note. However, prior to the involvement of the Inspector General in this matter, he had not focused on the fact that he was a blind carbon copy (bcc) recipient of 29 (U//A1U0) The date of the Lotus Note was 17 March 2000 at 11:09 a.m. (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c 43 SECRET! /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET//X1 C1A/OIG LOAN COPY the note. Runyan says he does not know why the James L. Runyan" line did not appear on the copy of Lotus Note that he forwarded to Carey on 17 March 2000. Runyan says he thinks he would recall if he removed that line before he forwardec note to Carey. He recognizes that it would take a conscious effort to edit out or remove that line, and Runyan says that would cause him to remember it if he had taken such a step. Runyan explains that his sole goal was to get the Lotus Note into Carey's hands. Runyan adds that he had no reason to remove the line listing him as an addressee. He does not think he needed to remove his name from the distribution ofn7 Lotus Note. In sum, Runyan stated that "there is zero chance" that he removed that line. Runyan is emphatic that he did not remove the "bcc" line. � 119. (U/ /AIUO) Runyan states that he does not know specifically how and when Carey came to learn that Runyan had been an original addressee of the 25 February 2000 Lotus Note of 120. (C) Upon a review of the 25 February Lotus Note, Carey says he considered its content as "outrageous." Carey spoke with Isham and Runyan about how it was created. According to Carey's understanding, the note was inspired by one or more of the 8:15 morning staff meetings. It stemmed from the fad that Congressional and staff delegations had traveled to Field Stations Carey explains that the Stations had received instructions to which the CFO was not privy, and Station officers commented regarding their Station's budgets to the visiting Congressional delegations. A "disconnect" arose, according to Carey, from the fact that the budget data cited by the Stations was not reflected in the figures available to the rest of Agency managers via the CFO, and from the fact that Station personnel opined on the causes of their financial troubles. Runyan carried the message back to his Directorate from the staff meetings that officers should not extrapolate on what they do not know. Only the Comptroller has authority to speak on a broad scale. (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(1) (b)(3) 44 SECRET/ /X1 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET! /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY 121. (U//AlUO) Carey explains that the discussions at the 8:15 a.m. DCI staff meetings and elsewhere focused on the need for employees to avoid generalizations and speculation regarding taxes or other budget matters beyond their personal knowledge. According to Carey, questions pertaining to a Station budget, for example, should be answered directly by the COS, but questions asked of that same COS regarding DO or CIA budget issues should be referred to the CFO. The issue was not how much information on taxes should, or should not, be shared with Congress, but rather that individual employees should not attempt to answer questions beyond their direct knowledge. 122. (U//AlUO) Carey believes that the Lotus Note was Mterpretation of what she heard from Isham or Runyan. Carey says that "apparentlY embellished what Runyan told her." Carey states that Runyan told him than7"felt badly about what had happened." Carey was unequivocal that he did not want any follow-up actions regarding the Lotus Note which may appear to be retribution for creating the Lotus Note or to the person who passed it to John Millis, the then-HPSCI Staff Director. 123. AlUO) Carey believes the addressees to the Lotus Note wer ubordinate Plans Officers in the DS&T divisions. He did not ask who was the highest level official who received the Lotus Note. Carey says he did not know prior to OTC's interview with him that Runyan was on distribution of the Lotus Note.w 124. (U/ /AlUO) After reviewing the notes of the 8:15 a.m. DCI Staff meetings for 25 and 28 February 2000, including the entry 'Dave [Carey] - some offices going down wispreadsheets," Carey recalls the issue at the 25 February meeting to be related more to CIA officers talking with staff delegations in the field than going up to 3� (U/ /AIU0) As reported previously, the distribution line "bee: James L Runyan" did not appear on the 25 February 2000 Lotus Note that Runyan forwarded to Carey. The interview with Carey was conducted on 11 July 2000. (b)(3) 0A7)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 45 SECRET/ /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY Capitol Hill. With respect to the marginal note in the handwritten minutes "DCI very angry offices had to take cuts across the board going down to Hill complaining," Carey responds that the notation that DCI Tenet was very angry is misleading. Carey observes that the DCI "being exerdsed is normal operating procedure." 125. (U/ /AlUO) Carey explains that he had not remembered the issue in the context described in the notes of the meeting. He says that there had been a number of conversations since February with SSCI and the HPSCI regarding DO Stations talking about the reduction of operations funds. Carey explains that there was a "disconnect" because the budgetary figures in the hands of Congress did not correlate with the information maintained at Headquarters. To avoid offices going to Congress to plead their own case, the Agency leadership supported the position that the CFO was the one definitive source of information on budget matters. 126. (UHAIU0) Carey reviewed the notes from the 28 February 2000 DCI morning staff meeting which contained the marginal note, "Dave talked to DDs [Deputy Directors] about it [budget cuts]." Carey believes that he met with Deputy Directors on 25 February 2000, probably after the 8:15 a.m. staff meeting and prior to the budget roll-out briefings that began mid-morning. His calendar for that date does not reflect any scheduled meeting with the Deputy Directors. Carey does not remember what guidance he provided to the Deputy Directors at this meeting nor who represented the DS&T during the meetinot 31 (1J/ /A1U0) According to the notes of the 8:15 a.m. meeting which apparently immediately preceded this meeting, the 1DS&T was represented by Runyan. Runyan recalls he attended the 8:15 a.m. meeting. 46 SECRET! /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY DID THE 25 FEBRUARY 2000 GUIDANCE CONFLICT WITH CIA's OBLIGATIONS AND POLICY IN DEALING WITH CONGRESS? 127. (U//A1U0) Senior Agency officers agree that Agency practice at the time the 25 February Lotus Note was issued called for individual officers to coordinate or to refer Congressional questions concerning budget matters, induding internal taxes, to the CFO or Comptroller before responding. As discussed,32 they explain the intent of this policy was to provide accurate information to Congress and to explain resource decisions in the context of the Agency as a whole. These officers state that this practice was not meant to withhold information from Congress, but rather it limited who was permitted to answer a Congressional query. According to Executive Director Carey, in the DO, only the ADDO/RPP had a sufficiently broad perspective to answer tax and resource questions. This practice did not mean that a Congressional query would go unanswered. As explained by one senior officer, it is a prerogative of the Executive Branch to make such designations.33 128. (U/ /AIUO) ExDir Carey says the statements in the 25 February Lotus Note that CIA taxes are an internal issue and the subject of taxes is out of bounds for discussion with Congressional staff are absolutely not accurate. Carey says he has never heard nor provided any guidance to this effect. Carey describes as "nonsense" the statement in the note that taxes often reflect poorly on Agency performance in planning, managing, and executing programs. Carey 32 (U) See the section entitled "Senior Officers' Views on Agency Practice Concerning 'Taxes,'" paragraphs 46-60. 33 (I.WAIU0) By statute, CIA is required to provide "full and complete information" to Congress." Agency regulations further provide that no Agency employee will respond to a request for information, including requests from Congressional committees, until authorized to do so by the General Counsel. 32 C.F.R. Section 1905 provides the same guidance, and authorizes CIA officials to delegate their authority to subordinate officials. The assignment of the CFO as the "principal interface" with Congress on budget matters appears to be such a delegation. This subject is discussed in greater detail in the section of this Report entitled 'What are CIA's responsibilities in dealing with Congress?: paragraphs 23-28. 47 SECRET/ /XI Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /XI CIA /0IG LOAN COPY (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) further states that he has neither heard nor provided guidance that CIA personnel should not discuss the issue of taxes with Congressional staff members even if prodded. 129. (U//AIU0) DDS&T Isham says it is not correct to say that CIA regards the subject of internal taxes as out of bounds for discussion with Congressional staff. Isham says taxes are not an internal matter and an open dialogue is needed with Congress. Individual officers, however, do not always know the whole story at the Directorate level. Isham further disagrees with the statement that internal taxes often reflect poorly on Agency performance in planning, managing, and executing programs. Finally, 'sham says the statement that Agency personnel should not discuss taxes with staff members, even if prodded, is absolutely untrue. 130. (U/ /AIU0) 1escribes 5 February 2000 Lotus Note as a poor choice of words. ays the subject of taxes is not out of bounds for discussion wi ongress. explains, however, that the Agency has a responsibility to assure the integrity and accuracy of the information that is passed to Congress. Regarding the Lotus Note's statement that CIA taxes are an internal issue notes the DCI has the authority to reprogram funds within guidelines, and reprogramming notifications are done within the required thresholds. ays that, nonetheless, whenever questioned about a reprogramming by Congress, the Agency provides the information. (b)(3) (b)(7)(c (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 131. (U/ /AIUO) Regarding the point in the 25 February Lotus Note that internal taxes often reflect poorly on A enc erformance (b)(3) in planning, managing, and executing programs sa s this is (b)(7)(c) poorly written but reflects the state of the Agency. xplains that if a program has been proposed without funds for operations ("3) and maintenance, it is an example of poor planning. Concerning the (b)(7)(c) point in the Lotus Note that corporate taxes erode program dollars and top line gains and Agency perso ould not raise the issue (b)(3) with Congress "even if prodded,' ys she does not believe (b)(7)(c) 48 SECRET//X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) wha eant not to talk to Con ss. However, is not sure specifically meant. Homments that while the Lotus Note reflected poor terminology, overall its content was acceptable guidance except for the statements about taxes being "out of bounds" for discussions and the instruction not to discuss taxes "even if prodded." According t the Agency has never had a policy of not talking to Congress. Rather, the policy is that there should be coordin�OonmAith the Comptroller or CFO first on resources matters. opined that the impact of the language in the Lotus Note is still a factor in CIA's relationship with Congress. She expects CIA to be under a spotlight for a year or so to come until CIA can regain the confidence of the oversight committees. 132. (U/ /AIUO) says she regards the statement ill Lotus Note that CIA taxes often reflect poorly on Agency performance in planning, managing, and execution programs as a true statement since the Agency has done a poor lob in "dosing bills." also says the second paragraph of 25 February Lotus Note generally is an accurate reflection of the views of the CFO's office (This paragraph, as shown in Exhibit B, says the Agency does not consider internal taxes a matter to which the Agency would wish to draw Congressional attention and says the subject is out of bounds for discussion with the oversight committees or staff members.) 77states that 25 February Lotus Note was not "unusual," but the language was inappropriate. says the question of whether there are internal taxes is not a subject that is out of bounds for discussion with Congress. However, internal management discussions about taxes generally are considered out of bounds for discussion with Congress. Once decisions about taxes are made, however, the information is shared with Congress, as appropriate and consistent with reprogramming guidelines. 133. (II/ /AIU0 says the 25 February 2000 Lotus Note is understandable to him, but he wishes the author, had said it differently. According t the 49 SECRET/ /X1, (b)(3) (b)(7)(b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3(b)(3) (b)(7(b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET//X1 � CIA/01G LOAN COPY (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) phrase "out of bounds for discussion" could have been better explained as being more appropriate for the Comptroller's Office or senior resource managers to discuss. Individual officers or program managers do not know the context regarding taxes and are not the =rsons to answer such questions, according to does not read the Lotus Note as an instruction to "stonewall" Congress. 134.(U/!AIUO) describe 25 February 2000 Lotus Note as "unfo phrased" and open to being read in different ways. As says she was not aware of similar time guidance being issued during her tenure as Says it is not true that CIA taxes are an internal issue, and she describes as "very unfortunate" the statement that internal taxes are out of bounds for discussion with Congress. In regard to taxes reflecting poorly on Agency performance, ays that the level and timing of Agency operating adjustments reflect poorly on IA's ability to properly budget for activities. However, tates that all government agencies function under operating year adjustments because a budget formulation made 18 months earlier cannot accurately predict all spending requirements: 135. (U/ /AIUO) ADDO for Resources, Plans and Policy says that at no time was he ever tol wer a question asked by Congress. However, sa tus Note was not far off the mark. statement that taxes are an internal Agency matter, and the Hill should not be involved, was part of the attitude of the Agency. believes, however, that_______ instruction not to discuss taxes "even if prodded" was a poor choice of words. 136. U/ /AIU0) supervisor says the guidance ir otus Note not to discuss the issue of internal taxes directly with Congressional staff members "even if prodded" is wrong and unfortunate guidance. Regarding the statement that CIA 50 SECRET! /X1 Approved for Release 17761/30 C06230389 (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (13)(41-.\(3) (b)(7)07)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(3)3) (b)(3)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3)) (b)(7)(c) Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET//X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY regards internal taxes as "out of bounds" for discussion with the oversight committees or staff, says he believes this means there should not be any special pleadings to Congress by Agency personnel. says he interpreted the instruction as meaning that an Agency officer should talk only about his or her program, and not the programs of others. Dm SUPERVISORS RECOGNIZE THE POSSIBLE MISINTERPREATION OF THE GUIDANCE CONTAINED IN THE 25 FEBRUARY 2000 LOTUS NOTES E-MAIL AND TAKE ANY ACTION TO CORRECT IT? 137. (U/ /AIU0) Iirst and second line supervisors were recipients of her 25 February 2000 Lotus Note to the DS&T office Chiefs of Plans?' states that because the Lotus Note was address Plans Chiefs in the DS&T, he did not read it closely. He read Lotus Note in a different fashion than Congress may have interpreted it. He states that when he reread it after the 16 March 2000 HPSCI hearing, he understood why Congress was disturbed. explains that if he read it as an outsider, he would have been left with the impression that CIA had instructed its officers not to discuss the financial health of their programs with Congress. 138. (UHAIU0 tates that his decision to not disavow or specifically correc Lotus Note was based on his assumption that it had stayed within the narrow confines of its written distribution, what he considered a small and knowledgeable audience who would put it in context. He explains that he did not specifically rescind the note because he did not view it as formal policy. Moreover, he did not wish to appear to undemtin publicly, especially because of his view that no malice or malfeasance was intended or recommended. Additionally, the recipients of the note also heard subsequent guidance from more senior officers. r�contends that although he did not subsequently issue a written M (U/ /AIUO) As stated earlie an SIS-04 officer, and Runyan is a DISES-05 officer. (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) 1(651(55(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 51 SECRET/ /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET//X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY correction t specific note, he did point out to DS&T Plans (b)(3) Officers, the (b)(7)(c) and Resource Staff, and to the DS&T Board of Planning Directors at various times and in various forums to avoid uncoordinated special pleadings with Congress. rt tructed (b)(3) these officers to never sacrifice honesty or candor (b)(7)(c) interface in their with Congress. 139. (UHAIU0) Runyan states that he read the Lotus Note within 24 hours of its issuance and it did not raise any particular "flags" with him. Nevertheless, according to Runyan, the guidance that he passed �to: was more general than the text of the Lotus (b)(3) Note, and he cannot explain whynote did not contain the (b)7)(c) guidance he reported to her. (b)(7)(c) � 140. (U/ /A1110) Asked if he had any concern that he was the highest level Agency officer to see the Lotus Note and had a chance to correct it, but did not, Runyan says if he had thought it would be a problem, he would have done something. However, he read the Lotus Note differently, and not as an instruction to stonewall or be less than complete. Runyan says that on a "cold reading," the Lotus Note could be read as intending to give direction to withhold � information from Congress. 141. (U/ /A1U0 Asked if Runyan had a responsibility to correct the record if ote were inaccurate, Isham responded than�drafted many Lotus Notes e-mail messages. Isham observes that she does not know how many e-mail messages a busy executive can correct. 142. (U/ /A1U0)When Carey was asked if he would have expected Runyan o o correct the record when they initially saw that the Lotus Note contained erroneous guidance, Carey responded "absolutely." Carey adds that he left it to the discretion of Isham and Runyan to take any corrective action they felt necessary with the few addressees of the Lotus Note. (b)(3) (b)(3)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 52 SECRET/ /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET//X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY WHAT DID THE CIA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SAY TO CONGRESS ON 16 AND 23 MARCH 2000 ABOUT AGENCY POLICY ON DISCUSSIONS OF INTERNAL TAXES WITH CONGRESS? 143. (UHAII.J0) The HPSCI Hearing. During the 16 March 2000 budget hearing on CIA's FY2001 Program, the following relevant exchange occurred among Chairman Goss, Congresswoman Heather Wilson, and ExDir Carey.35 It is the only instance during the transcript when Carey testified regarding the content of the Lotus Note: The Chairman: Ms. Wilson Mrs. Wilson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I wasn't here to hear your opening statement, but I have just read it, and [would like to know what your reply is specifically. I assume this is a memo that has been quoted from. Have you heard of that? Have any of you heard of or seen that? Mr. Carey: I have not. I don't know what memo the Chairman is quoting. It is not any that I have written or am familiar with. Mrs. Wilson: Anybody here in this room know anything about taxing? Mr. Carey: No. I thought you were referring to the memo that said - The Chairman: The specific quotes. Mr. Carey: There were specific quotes that had to do with not sharing information. With regard to taxing, let me explain, what I said in my opening statement is we are trying to invest for the future, that is the nature of the Strategic Direction program, as well as continue current operations. We try to do both with equal energy and commitment. That requires a constant series of 35 (S) or reviewed the transcript of the 16 March 2000 hearing and confirmed that portions of 25 February 2000 Lotus Note were quoted by Chairman Goss. (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 53 SECRET! /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY reassessments and reestablishing priorities. That gives rise to so- called unfundeds, not a very helpful term. But inasmuch as those � Mrs. Wilson: My time is limited, as you know, and I would like to get a direct answer to this question. Mr. Carey: I am trying. Mrs. Wilson: I don't think it is out of line to ask. "The CIA regards this subject matter as out of bounds for discussion with our committees." Also, CIA taxes are an internal issue and one that often reflects poorly on Agency performance in planning and executing our programs. Is that news to everyone in this room? Mr. Carey. Yes. Mrs. Wilson: Ms. Dempsey? Ms. Dempsey: Yes. I was not aware of that quote before I walked in and heard the Chairman say it. The Chairman: Will the gentlewoman yield? Mrs. Wilson: Yes, sir. The Chairman: Just let me ask then, is that the policy? Mr. Carey: No. �The Chairman: Good. I yield back. 144. (U) The Executive Director's Congressional Letters of 23 March 2000. ExDir Carey sent letters to Representatives Goss, Julian Dixon, Nancy Pelosi, Norman Sisisky, Sandford Bishop, and Heather Wilson responding to issues and questions raised at the 16 March 2000 hearing on the CIA's FY2001 Program. Carey also sent a letter to then-SSCI Staff Director Nicholas Rostow. The seven letters differed in their specific content because each addressed incividual issues raised by the member during the 16 March hearing. However, all the letters addressed the subject of the Lotus Note and 54 SECRET! X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET! /X]. CIA/OIG LOAN COPY Agency policy in speaking with Congress. A summary of the statements Carey made to the HPSCI members concerning this subject is detailed in the box "Excerpts of Executive Director Carey's Letters to HPSCI Members and SSCI Staff." 55 SECRET//X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET! /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY Excerpts of Executive Director Carey's Letters to HPSCI Members and SSCI Staff On 23 March 2000, Carey sent letters to six HPSCI Members and then-SSCI Staff Director Rostow addressing the 25 February 2000 Lotus Note and Agency policy on candor with Congress. Excerpts of this correspondence follow: (U) To Chairman Goss: I assure you that I take with the utmost seriousness your opening remarks at the hearing concerning the perceived lack of candor and forthrightness of CIA officers in working with the Committee Members and Staff. Although I was not aware of the internal CIA note referenced in your opening remarks, I have subsequently obtained a copy and have been able to review it. Let me say emphatically that the note does not accurately articulate our policy on dealing with Congress. Quite the opposite; taken literally it is in contradiction to our policy. Clearly, however, that policy is not as well understood within the Agency as it should be. I will take immediate action to redress that situation by publicizing both here and in the field the need for candor, completeness, correctness, and consistency to characterize all our dealings with Congress. [Emphasis added.]36 (U) To Ranking Member Dixon: Finally, I want to let you know that I personally take with the utmost seriousness the Chairman's opening remarks concerning the perceived lack of candor and forthrightness of CIA officers in working with Committee Members and Staff. It is our policy to ensure that we provide the information, visibility, and access necessary to accomplish your oversight responsibilities. Clearly from the Chairman's remarks this policy is not as well understood within the Agency as it needs to be. I will take steps inunediately to communicate to all CIA employees that candor, completeness, correctness, and consistency must characterize all our dealings with Congress. (U) To Representatives Bishop, Pelosi, Sisislcy, and Wilson: Finally, I want to let you know that I personally take with the utmost seriousness the Chairman's opening remarks concerning the perceived lack of candor and forthrightness of CIA officers in working with Committee Members and Staff. Clearly, however, 36 (U) Goss and Dixon received copies of the letters sent to the other four members. 56 SECRET/ /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY that policy is not as well understood within the Agency as it should be. I will take immediate action to redress that situation by publicizing both here and in the field the need for candor, completeness, correctness, and consistency to characterize all our dealings with Congress. To that end, it is own policy that all requests for budget-related information be coordinated through our Chief Financial Officer, who is best positioned to ensure that all budget-related information is accurate and reflects our broad corporate priorities. [Emphasis added.] (U) To then-SSG Staff Director Rostow: Mr. Goss made reference to an internal CIA note indicating that certain budgetary information relating to internal CIA "taxes" should not be shared by individual Agency employees with the Committees. Neither I nor any member of my senior management team was aware of this note prior to the hearing. Subsequent to the hearing, I was able to obtain the email the Chairman quoted (attached). I emphatically underscore that the note does not accurately articulate our policy on dealing with Congress. Clearly, however, our policy is not as well understood as it should be. I will take immediate action to ensure that all CIA employees, both� here and in the field, understand that candor, completeness, correctness, and consistency must characterize all our dealings with Congress.38 [Emphasis added.] 145. (U/ /AIU0) Isham says she offered to see Goss in regard Lotus Note, and she volunteered to write a letter to clarify the Agency's policies.39 Carey responded that he had decided to send a "global" response to the Hill following the 16 March hearing. Isham offered to provide text, but in the end, she did not provide anything. 146. (U/ /AIUO) Isham recalls either seeing the letter to Rostow or seeing a package of letters from Carey to the Hill following the 16 March 2000 hearing that would have included the 37 (U) The letters to Representatives Bishop and Wilson from Carey use the word "my" policy instead of "our" policy. 38 (U) The Minority Staff Director at the SSCI, Al Cumming was listed as a carbon copy recipient of the letter to Rostow. 39 (U/ /AIUO) Isham served as Director of Congressional Affairs from 1994 to 1996. (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 57 SECRET! /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET! /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY Rostow letter. The text of the letter to Rostow (see Exhibit C) looked familiar to her. Isham does not recall if she saw the letters in advance of sending them, but certainly saw them afterwards. 147. (U/ /AIU0) Runyan believes the first time he saw the 23 March 2000 letter from Carey to Rostow was when OIG investigators showed it to him during his 10 May 2000 interview. Runyan says if Isham were present in the office, the letter would have been routed to her. Runyan does not recall if he saw it in March 2000. 148. (C' who was Runyan's Executive Assistant at the time, recalls the packet of letters coming to him in the review process. During his review 1\, T�ecognized that the letter to Rostow borLotus ote as an attachment. explains that it disturbed him that CIA was needlessly providing a copy of the ote to Con ess as a "smoking gun." He approached about it. dicated that he had seen some of the letters in an earlier dr ormat, but had not known that a copy of Lotus Note was bemg sent in a letter to Congress. senior, Runyan. time However, base on Runyan's response to him, it was very evident that Runyan had seen the packet and knew precisely the issue vas raising�otherwise Runyan would have told him so. 149. (C) On the following day says he approached Runyan about the letter to Rostow with the Lotus Note and questioned why Lotus Note was being attached and sent to Rostowl recalls an did not offer much of a response to his question. had the impression that Runyan was signaling that it was none of usiness. recalls Runyan's response was something e we're looking at this" or "we're dealing with this.', sensed that he may have overstepped his d did not pursue the issue further with his dds that the packet was not at hand at the (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(3)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3)(c) (6)(3)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 58 SECRET! X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) Approved for Release: 150. (U/ /AIUO) Rostow durin the internal 2017/01/30 SECRET/ C06230389 /X1 CIA/OIG WAN COPY states that he had seen Carey's letter to He understood that Carey response letters to the members of the (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) coordination. task *th preparing HPSCI. He explains that the draft letter he saw was a "generic copy for negative coordination." That is, when he reviewed it he would only respond to the drafter if there was a disagreement with the text. Tiht7i of the draft letter he reviewed did not include a copy of otus Note, although it was probably in the packet he (b)(3) received. He learned later that a copy of the Lotus Note was sent (b)(7)(c) with Rostow's letter. F�[provided a copy of I.otus Note to (b)(3)) the day after the HPSCI hearing. (b)(7)(c)) 151. (U/ /AIUO) a program analyst in the Office of the Comptroller, was tasked to prepare testimony for Carey before the HPSCI which was held on 16 March 2000. During the hearing, there were questions or comments that the HPSCI members posed about various aspects of the Agency's budget and operations that were not fully addressed due to time const r 1 other limitations. Within two days of the hearing earned that ti Carey had decided to respond to select questions or comments made by the members. The plan was to prepare letters in response to the questions or comments made by the specific HPSCI member at the hearing. Included in the letter to the HPSCI member would be comments regarding the inaccuracy of the guidance quoted in the Lotus Note.. (b)(3) 152. (U//AIU0) According to the notes taken by two (b)(7)(c) CIA officers during the hearing were reviewed to identify the appropriate questions and comments from HPSCI members for response. Carey played the principal role in selecting which members and which questions to address. Next, the questions or comments were referred out to the respective Directorate referents for the appropriate response in the same manner used for questions for the record. When the responses were received from the (b)(3) Directorates then fashioned the first draft of letters to the (b)(7)(c) 59 SECRET/ /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET//X1 CIA /OK; LOAN COPY (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) members identified by Carey to receive responses t draft underwent the normal review process in the Office o e Comptroller and the CFO's office before going to Carey for signature. 153. (U//AlUO) In order to respond to the comments and questions regarding candor with Congressn�lconducted an online search for Agency materials available that addressed Agency policy on dealing with Congress. He reviewed copies of "What's News at CIA," worldwide Stations and Bases cables, Agency Notices and obtained a brochure from OCA. 154. (U//A1U0) In reviewing the letter signed by Carey to Chairman Goss dated 23 March 2000,n�bbays he initiated the first draft of this letter. He says the language in paragraph two of the letter must have been added during the review process. Specifically, he had no role in the drafting of the portion of the paragraph that contains the sentence, "Although I was not aware of the internal CIA note referenced in your opening remarks, I have subsequently obtained a copy and have been able to review it." 155. (U/ /AIU0) With respect to the letter to Ranking Member Julian Dixon explains that each letter was customized to nthe specific concerns cited by a member during the hearing. bserves that the language alluding to the Lotus Note was different between the Goss and Dixon letters and adds that he does not know how the customization process occurred regarding the Lotus Note issue. He believes the language in the letters to the non- leadership members of the HPSCI was more standardized, but cautioned not to suspect any "evil intent" if there was a difference. nexplains it was easy to understand how some language may have changed during the staffing process in the rush to get the letters sent to the HPSCI addressees. 60 SECRET/ /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET//X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 156. (U/ /AIUO) as asked about the particular language appearing in a portion of the letter from Carey to Representative Heather Wilson of the HPSCI. That language was: To that end, it is my policy that all requests for budget-related information be coordinated through our Chief Financial Officer, (b)(3) who is best positioned to ensure that all budget-related information (b)(7)(c) is accurate and reflects our broad corporate priorities. (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) responds that this is the accurate policy of C accurate before and after the 16 March 2000 hearing. xplains that the intent of the policy is to defer questions on taxes to the CFO, explaining that those CIA employees outside of the CFO's office do not have the complete picture. (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 157. (U/ /AIU0) reviewed a copy of the 23 March letter from Carey to Rostow, and states that despite the fact that his name appears on the originating office line of the filathis letter as the author, he had never seen it previously.0 says he is (b)(3) unfamiliar with Rostow's name and position e I, and he is (b)(7)(c) certain that Rostow was not on the original list of those who were going to receive letters from the ExDi_r. He is confident that it would only have been assigned if Carey added it to the list of letters to go to the Intelligence Committees. assumes the Rostow letter was drafted by someone in the CFO front office who drew the information from the source material contained in the other draft memorandan7had assembled and then cut and pasted material from the other letters, including the originating office line. 158. (U/ /AIUO) states that he does not know of any discussion regarding the prudence of providing a copy of the 25 February Lotus Note to Dixon or any other member of the HPSCI. 40 (U/ /AIUO) The originating office line on the file copy appears "DCl/CFO (20Mar00)." 61 SECRET/ /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET! /X]. CIA/OIG LOAN COPY He assumes the reason that it was not sent as an attachment to the letter to Goss was the recognition that he already had a copy of it that he cited during the hearing. 159. (UHAIU0) Carey explains that on the day after the hearing, he received a telephone call from Al Cumming of the SSCI staff whom Carey said he has known for a long time.41 Cumming asked Carey about the Lotus Note issue from the HPSCI hearing, and it appeared evident to Carey that John Millis had briefed the staffs of SSCI and probably the HAC about the matter. Carey says he called Rostow to inform him of the matter and the circumstances surrounding the Lotus Note. Carey found Rostow to be somewhat familiar with the controversy. Rostow claimed that he had not seen the Lotus Note and requested that Carey forward a statement about the issue and include a copy of the Lotus Note. Carey then drafted the letter to Rostow himself and included a copy of the Lotus Note as requested. Carey obtained a copy of the Lotus Note forwarded to him by Runyan.42 WAS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S 23 MARCH 2000 LEITER TO THE SSCI STAFF DIRECTOR ACCURATE? 160. (U/ /AIU0) As discussed in the introduction of this report, this investigation arose from an allegation brought to the Inspector General that ExDir Carey provided false and misleading information in his 23 March 2000 letter to Rostow. There is no indication that the source of this allegation had access to the six 41 OE /AIU0) SSG staff member Al Cumming appears on the Rostow letter as a recipient of a copy of the letter. 42 in flipfrill � fields. "Memorandum For" [nine Plans Officers in the 1:644:TI; "From oi/ /AIU0) The copy of the Lotus Note that accompanied the Rostow letter con (b)(3) and seven other DS&T (b)(3)(c) and "Office" [ODDST]. The lines for "cc" officers]; and "bcc" [James L Runyan] were also absent. (b)(7)(C) 62 SECRET/ /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET//X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY letters to HPSCI members. The specific information the source alleged to be inaccurate concerned the statements in the letter to Rostow that Mr. Goss made reference to an internal CIA note indicating that certain budgetary information relating to internal CIA "taxes" should not be shared by individual Agency employees with the Committees. Neither I nor any member of my senior management team was aware of this note (the 25 February Lotus Notel prior to the hearing. . . I emphatically underscore that the note does not accurately articulate our policy on dealing with Congress.43 (b)(3) 161. (U/ /MOO) Defining "the Senior Management Team." There is no formal body in CIA known as the DCI's or the Ex "senior management team." According to Agency Regulation the CIA Executive Board consists of the DCI and the DDCI (both ex officio), the Executive Director, the Deputy Executive Director, and the Deputy Directors for Administration, Intelligence, Operati and Science and Technology.44 According to Agency Notice the DCI personally selects the Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, the Deputy Directors, the Associate Deputy Directors, and a limited number of other very senior positions. 162. (U/ /MOO) Views on the Accuracy of the 23 March 2000 Letter. ExDir Carey affirms that the information contained in the 23 March 2000 letter to Rostow was accurate at the time he drafted it as well as currently. Carey says that when he composed the letter to Rostow and used the term "my senior management team," he was thinking in terms of the staff that accompanied him to the 16 March 43 (D) Carey made essentially the same statement in his letter to HPSCI Chairman Goss, saying ''Let me say emphatically that the note does not accurately articulate our policy on dealing with Congress." 44 (IMAIU0) The Executive Board acts as an advisory body to the DCI, the DDCI and the ExDir. The Board advises these officials on decisions affecting the Agency's mission and functions and its relationship with the Intelligence Community, the Executive Branch and the Congress. (b)(3) 63 SECRET//X1 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET//X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY HPSCI hearing. Carey believes that it is plain from the context of his letter to Rostow, but much of the misunderstanding could have been avoided if he had added the words "then present" or "present at the Hearing" for clarification. That group consisted of Isham, Deputy Director for Administration Richard Calder, DDO Pavitt, and then- Deputy Director for Intelligence John McLaughlin. Carey says that as a result of their responses at the hearing and a subsequent discussion on the ride back to Headquarters that day, it was clear to Carey that no one who accompanied him to the hearing knew about the Lotus Note prior to the hearing. 163. (U/ /AIUO) Carey explains that he considers the Associate Deputy Directors, and specifically Runyan, as part of his senior management team. Carey states there is no consistent definition of the term. He adds that some have interpreted it to include the so-called "Gang of 120" which includes 120 senior Agency officers, including office directors. Carey says that he did not know until interviewed by OIG that Runyan was on distribution of the 25 February Lotus Note. 164. (U//AIU0) DDS&T Isham says there is nothing inaccurate in the statements in Carey's letter to Rostow that the 25 February 2000 Lotus Notes e-mail does not accurately articulate CIA policy on dealing with Congress. Isham also does not believe Carey was inaccurate in his statement that neither he nor his "senior management team" were aware of the e-mail prior to the 16 March hearing. Isham says Carey is referring to "full" Deputy Directors in the context of the letter and the hearing. Isham adds that there is not a consistent definition of the senior management team. In all cases, it includes the four Deputy Directors, but it can also refer to senior staff and even to office-level personnel. 165. (U/ /AIUO) ADDS&T Runyan does not recall if he saw Carey's 23 March 2000 letter to Rostow in March 2000. Runyan believes the first time he saw the letter was when OIG investigators showed it to him in May 2000. Runyan believes Carey's statement in 64 SECRET! /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY showed it to him in May 2000. Runyan believes Carey's statement in the letter to Rostow is accurate that the 25 February Lotus Notes e-mail does not accurately articulate CIA policy. Runyan says Lotus Note was not intended to tell employees to be less than candid with Congress. Carey's letter wanted to be clear that Agency oli was to be candid. According to Runyan, the purpose of ote was to say that if someone were going to the Hill to make sure the person was in synch with the overall Agency program. Runyan did not read the Lotus Note as suggesting to withhold information. Runyan considers himself part of the senior management staff of the Agency, and he "takes it for granted" that Carey would also consider him part of the senior management team.45 All Associate Deputy Directors are part of the senior management team, states Runyan. Runyan explains that if Isham is unavailable, he is expected to attend meetings and her other duties in her place. 166. (U/ /AIU0) 4id not see the 23 Mardi 2000 letter to Rostow with her Lotus Note attached during the internal Agency coordination process. n�tearried of the existence of the letter on 30 March 2000, and the following day, she says she went to her supervisor land told him she believed there were two false statements in Carey's letter. These were the statements that no member of the senior management team was aware of the e-mail prior to the 16 March HPSCI hearing, and Carey's statement that the Lotus Note did not represent Agency policy. 7�kays she to141 that Runyan was aware of the 25 February Lotus Note and had approved its release. According to said Runyan is not part of the senior management team. 167. (U/ /A1U0E7 says she also tolc on 31 March that she believed Carey's statement in the Rostow letter concerning there being no Agency policy not to share internal tax information (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 45 (U/ /AIUO) As discussed earlier in this Reporl included Runyan as a "blind carbon (b)(3) copy" recipient of her 25 February e-mail message, and Runyan states he read the Lotus Note (b)(7)(c) within 24 hours of its date. 65 SECRET! /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET! /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY with the Intelligence Committees was untrue. says it was not (b)(3) written policy, but it was verbal policy that had in effect (b)(7)(c) been throughout her tenure as the DS&T Plans Officer states the (b)(3) guidance not to share internal tax information with the Hill was (b)(7)(c) virtually the same guidance as was rovided in the previous year in the DS&T. says she told the statement in the 25 February (b)(3) Lotus Note, "CIA taxes are an internal issue and one that often (b)(7)(c) reflects (poorly) on Agency performance in planning, managing, and executing our programs," was a statement that Runyan had told her, and he attributed it to Carey. According t said that he (b)(3) had heard Carey say similar things on several occasions. (b)(7)(c) 168. (U/ /AIU0) DS&T Chief of Staff -7 who coordinated (b)(3) on the letter to Rostow during internal Agency review, says he (b)(7)(c) strongly agrees with the statement in Carey's letter to Rostow that the 25 February 2000 Lotus Note "does not accurately articulate [CIA] policy on dealing with Congress." want to speculate on the accuracy however, says in the he does not letter that (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) of the statement "Neither I nor any member of my senior management team was aware of this note prior to the hearing." says he does not know (b)(3) if Carey included the Associate Deputy Directors in the definition of (b)(7)(c) his senior management team. states that he has heard Carey (b)(3) use the tent to mean the DCI, DDCI, CFO and Chief Information (b)(7)(c) Officer. (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 169. (LWATUO) Carey's letter to Rostow arose after a conversation between SSCI staff member Al Cumming and Carey. Carey wanted to take appropriate steps to set the record straight after the 16 March hearing that Lotus Note did not accurately reflect Agency policy. believes the statements in Carey's letter about the Lotus Note not accurately articulating Agency policy is correct. 4so says Carey's statement that neither he nor his s ement team were aware of the note is accurate, althou onsiders the Associate Deputy Directors to be part of the senior management team. xplains that the genesis of (")(3) (b)(3)fh)(7)(c (b)(7)(c)" " (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 66 SECRET/ /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET//X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY (b)(3) (b)(3) 170. (U/ /AIUO) believes Care s (b)(7)(c) (b)(7)(c) statements in the letter to Rostow appear accurate con�in2Jhafact that the Lotus Note does not articulate Agency policy. interprets the term "senior management team" as referring to the Executive Board, which includes the Deputy Directors. (b)(3) would also include the Associate Deputy Directors as part of the (b)(7)(c) senior management team since they regularly fill in for the Deputy Directors at the Executive Board. (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) 171. (U/ /AIUO) says that although she knows of nothing m wnting that defines the senior management team, the Associate Deputy Directors are absolutely part of the senior management team. They are the alter egos of the Deputy Directors. They attend Executive Board meetings with or without the Deputy Director and can sign for the Deputy Director. WHAT HAS BEEN THE CONSEQUENCE OF THE LOTUS NOTES E-MAIL WITHLV THE DIRECTORATE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY? 172. (S) Even after the 16 March HPSCI hearing brought the issue of Agency policy on discussion of internal taxes to the fore, Agency instructions continued to tell officers not to respond directly to Congressional inquiries. This is reflected in the following Lotus Notes e-mail exchange d On 20 March 2000, DS&T Plans Chie old several DS&T officers who were about to brief Congress: "If asked about taxes, you should be honest in noting that there have been execution year adjustments within your programs." 173. (S) An e-mail the next day fromn7however, entitled "Answering the Tax Question," informed DS&T Office Chiefs that: The Comptroller has weighed in with guidance to 0Th [the Office of Technical Services] and FBIS [Foreign Broadcast Information Service] (and the Agency writ large) on how to answer Congressional questions about funds redirected to cover internal (b)(3) (b)(3)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c 67 SECRET//X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY taxes.... If [Congress asks], none of us are to respond but to say that the Comptroller will provide this information for OIS in the context of the whole DS&T. [Emphasis added.] upervisor, DS&T Chief of Staff was an information recipient of this e-mail message. 174. (S) On 22 March 2000 reiterated the previous day's guidance to DDS&T Isham and ADDS&T Runyan. In an e-mail message wrote that the policy was not to discuss specific rdollarrounts if offices are asked by Congress about internal taxes. aid: Joanne and Jim, I wanted to ensure you knew the guidance we have received from the Comptroller related to the ()TS and FBIS briefings this week on the Hill, and any other briefings that ensue during this session .... (b)(3) First wants no specific discussion (b)(7)(c) of dollars if the offices are asked about internal taxes. He asks that we say that we are working with the Comptroller to provide that information for the entire DS&T, as part of an Agency-wide request for such information. This is a significant point, because OTS has beat pretty concerned about how to answer the tax question, because they (and I) suspect it will come up. [Emphasis added.] 175. (UHAIU0) Treatment of According to the employee who brought the allegation of misleading Congress to the ICand requested confidentiality, as of late April 2000, was suffering from recriminations and had been isolated and ostracized by DS&T senior management. He cited that, in her position needs access to information, which she was no longer getting. She goes home in tears and is suffering psychologically. The employee believes thainThs being made the scapegoat, and that Carey has tried to suggest she is a well-meaning, but rogue, employee who did not accurately reflect Carey's policy in her Lotus Note. (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c 68 SECRET/ /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 , CIA/OR] LOAN COPY 176. (C) who served as Runyan's Executive Assistant until late April 2000, does not believe that Runyan's role in the generation of the Lotus Note has eroded his relationship with Isham. assesses that, at the time, the revelation that the DS&T had sent out this Lotus Note appeared to be a big issue within the Agency say was greatly affected by the issue. 177. (U//A1U0)nstates that has not suffered retribution for the issuance of the Lotus Note. According ton7 bffered to resign after the incident and has been consoled by Isham, Runyan and himself. He added that, ai supervisor, he retained confidence in her. 178. (IWAIU0) Isham states that she does not know ifn7 was counseled. Isham does not know what was told to write in the Lotus Note, and she does not think a person in a position like should be removed from his or her job for this action. 179. (U//A1U0) Carey states that on 16 March 2000 during a break in the hearing, he met with then-HPSCI Staff Director John Millis and staff member Tom Newcomb at Millis' request. Carey also said that he had an interest in seeing the Lotus Note to fully understand its content and thus reach some judgment as to how the misinterpretations that led to the note occurred. According to Carey, Millis told him that he wanted to 'bury the hatchet" and move forward. Millis cautioned Carey that he did not want any retribution directed to the author of the Lotus Note. Carey responded that no retribution was intended. 180. (U/ /AIU0i-7 recalls that after Runyan provided her Lotus Note to Isham following the 16 March HPSCI budget hearing, both Isham and Runyan tol not to worry. Both told her they understood the context in which the note and Runyan reminded her that he had approved i ays they told her that the message Goss rferred to in the hearing did not appear to be Lotus Note then learned that Isham went to Carey 69 SECRET! !X1 (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3),) 1 (b)(7)(c) Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET//X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) that evening with a copy of her Lotus Note. In the subsequent days, earned that a copy of the Lotus Note had been given to 1anc11 says she thought she was going to be fired. She next learned that a copy of her Lotus Note had been provided as an ratac,1-7 ent in a letter from Carey to Rostow. After a discussion with t 31 March 2000 concluded that there was a lack of support and candor from her management, and1�Thays she told she believed she could no longer be effective in her position. say told he thought her concern was unnecessary, and Runyan told her that day that she o reason to fear repercussions from the matter. While does not claim to have suffered retribution for the Lotus Note, she told OIG investigators that the fad of the investigation has caused her to fear the potential for retribution. 181. (U/ /AlUO) contends that she did not tell after the incident that she was willing to resign. Rather she told that she would be willing to step down as Chief of the Planning and Resource Group if DS&T management lacked confidence in her. She adds that she has never been "consoled" by Isham on this matter. states that the only conversation that Isham had with her on this entire matter occurred on the evening of 16 March 2000 when Isham told "no one can be sure it is your note." Additionally, tates that Run told her that she had no reason to fear repercussions becaus d been "following his [Runyan's] instructions." 182. (U/ /AlUO) When interviewed on 30 May 2000 states that she sensed that her relationship with her management chain had eroded. She felt had not been supportive and had distanced himself from her position. says she recognizes that she is in conflict with Runyan's recollections regarding the origin of the Lotus Note. She further cites, for example, that she originally received three calls a week from Isham who would be checking in with her when outside of Headquarters. There has been only one such call in the intervening months since 16 March, and her contact (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) 16:13/(i(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3)(b) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(3)(c) (b)(7)(c) 70 SECRET/ /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /x1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY with Isham has been greatly reduced. dds that in late April or early May 2000, after a computer system upgrade, there was a change in the abffity of herself and other select DS&T staff members to be able to view the electronic calendartsl of Isham and Runyan. saysthat when she questioned about the change to this long-standing procedure, which assisted her in her carrying out her job duties, she was informed that Isham maintained quasi-personal information shared outside of the DS&T. states that she does appointments on the calendar. Reportedly, did not want this not know if this change was related to her involvement with the Lotus Note, but it left the impression that Isham no longer trusted her. 183. (URAIU0) When reinterviewed on 30 August 2000, Runyan states that as far as he is concernedJ tatus or position has not changed since 16 March 2000. Runyan says she is the DS&T Plans Chief and has a job to do. Runyan still has meetings with her, and he expects her to continue to do her job. Runyan is second-line supervisor. Runyan says is a full participant and has respect. Runyan says there has been no direction to:Irthib tasks or responsibilities away froM Runyan says has actively sought other employment within the Agency. Runyan cannot say this_search is a function of the events surrounding the Lotus Note. is looking for a career change and more responsibility. She has accepted a new appointment 184. (UHAIU0) Isham describes performance in the DS&T as terrific and says she would love to have her return to the DS&T. Isham says she believes withdrew after the 16 March 2000 hearing and felt uncomfortable around Runyan and her. Consequently, she and Runyan had to work around this, and they worked more throu 'sham says she tried to help find other jobs in the DS&T because she was an excellent employee. 'sham hope return to the Directorate, and she would like to work wi again. (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) cb)(7)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (1?)Vicc) (b)(7)(c 71 SECRET! /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET//X1 C1A/OIG LOAN COPY 185. (U//A1U0) On 5 September 2000FM)egan a rotational assignment with the Directorate of Administration, Information Services Infrastructure, had served in the DS&T front office since November 1998. As of 27 September 2000 has not received a Performance Appraisal Report (PAR) for her past assignment. According t the last PAR she received was in 1998. 186. (U/ /AIUO) says that, in September 2000, she was told by a colleague of an instance when Isham reportedly expressed to her successor as MU' Plans Chief Isham's lack of confidence in In this instanan7 says the colleague advised her that the new DS&T Plans Chief said that Isham wanted someone in the position whom she could trust. 187. (U/ /AIUO) In another instance, Says a different colleague told her that nThuccessor said Isham had cut off access to Isham's daily calendar because she could not trust states that she called her former supervisor n7 on 4 October 2000 to surface these reports that she had received. According tc said both he and Isham were aware that on at least one occasion that successor had publicly commented on Isham's alleged lack of trust ii Furtherj ko14 that at Isham's request :ounseled the successor on this matter. expresses concern over receiving this second-hand information, sourced to an individual who cannot speak with first-hand knowledge of her performance. 188. (U/ /AIUO)n7asserts that Isham never directly offered her a position. All offers to "direct" her into assignments came froi4 supervisor explains that it is important to recognize that Isham offered her two directed assignments in the DS&T of less responsibility than the job the held as the Directorate's Chief of Planning and Resources Group. These positions were to perform at the office level the same function held at the directorate level. Further, whennrejected these (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) ((b)(3)c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3)(c) 1130(c) (b)(3)(c) (D))(7))(c) (luD)()(c) (b)(3)(c) (b)(7)(c) �(b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) ((b)(3)c) (b)(7)(c .72 SECRET! X1 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET! /XI CIA/OIG LOAN COPY offers, 'sham exchange her tha lc� itrougl to consider an industrial serts that no fewer than three DS&T officers told d approached them about taking her position before accepted a new position. adds that she specifically chose to take an assignment outside of the DS&T in a field that was completely new to her rather than accept a directed assignment of this nature. CONCLUSIONS 189. (U//A1U0) The 25 February 2000 DS&T Lotus Note was intended as informal guidance to a limited number of DS&T employees and not as a statement of Agency policy. Its author was attempting to convey what she believed to be the wishes of her superior, but the wording was not carefully considered and was inartfully drawn. The statements that "the CIA regards this subject matter [internal taxes] as out of bounds" for discussion with Congress, "even if prodded," could be read to mean that Agency employees should not be candid with Congress, which was not and is not Agency policy. Agency policy at the time was that employees coordinate with the CFO before responding to Congressional questions about budget-related matters, including "taxes," but this policy was not enunciated in the Lotus Note at issue. 190. (U/ /AIU0) The guidance was sufficiently open to misinterpretation to expect DS&T management to have recognized the need to issue a correction or clarification. Yet, two senior officers in the DS&T who received the note�ADDS&T James Runyan and Chief of Staff kailed to do so. They explained that they did not interpret the note as suggesting that Agency employees be less That candid with Congress. Runyan said it raised no particular "flags" with him, and deleted it from his e-mail queue after reading it without taking further action. 73 SECRET! /X1 (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3)(c) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY 191. (U/ /AIUO) It is impossible to determine if the text of the Lotus Note accurately reflects Runvare&instructions to the author of the Lotus Note asserts that Runyan gave her the specific guidance contained in the 25 February Lotus Note. who did not take notes of her meetings with Runyan, says she coordinated the note in draft with Runyan in advance of its issuance because Runyan was concerned about getting "the tone right." Runyan does not recall reviewing a draft, but say4 memory is better than his. Executive Director Carey states that he does not remember what he told Runyan and the Deputy Directors on niary 2000 that may have given rise to Runyan's instruction to d Runyan does not recall the meeting with Carey. We have found no other information to clarify this issue. � 192. (U/ /AIUO) Regardless of whether he saw a draft of the Lotus Note before it was sent, Runyan read (otus Note shortly after it was seerititis own admission, it did not contain the had guidance he d giv i.e., that responses to Congressional inquiries concerning internal taxes had to be coordinated with the CFO. Moreover, the guidance it did contain was open to misinterpretation, i.e., as an instruction to withhold information from the Congress. Runyan, therefore, bears some responsibility for failing to recognize the potential problem and taking appropriate steps to correct or prevent any misunderstanding. 193. (U/ /AlUO) read Lotus Note shortly after it was sent. While he noted that dissemination of the Lotus Note was limited to DS&T addressees, it nonetheless addressed a sensitive issue, i.e., what DS&T employees could say in response to � Congressional inquiries regarding "internal taxes." supervisor and a senior officer in the DS&T with 11 years experience in dealing with such issues also bears some responsibility for failing to recognize the potential problem and taking appropriate steps to correct or prevent any misunderstanding. 74 SECRET//X1 (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET! /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY 194. (U/ /AIUO) The actions o ould be considered with several mitigating factors in mind, guidance was not a statement of inolicy , but rather issued as informal guidance to subordinates. ays Runyan gave her the specific guidance contained in the Lotus Note, and reviewed it prior to issuance. In sending the Lotus Noten7believed the was only carrying out the directions of her supervisor and did not intend it to mean that subordinates should be less than forthcoming with Congress. Nonetheles as a senior officer also bears a measure of responsibility for drafting and passing on guidance that could reasonably be interpreted as an instruction to withhold information from Congress. 195. (U/ /AIUO) Senior Agency managers, who sought to manage the flow of information to Congress on budget reallocation, bear some responsibility for the circumstances which resulted in the issuance of the 25 February 2000 Lotus Note. While these officials were understandably concerned that the Congress receive an accurate and complete explanation of the "taxation" issue, their emphasis was solely upon ensuring that all communications with Congress on this subject were channeled through the CFO. Had they also emphasized that this guidance was not meant to change the responsibilities of employees to provide candid and complete responses to requests from Congress, the environment which led to the creation of the 25 February 2000 Lotus Note might have been different. 196. AlUO) Extant Agency policies (e.g., fall short of providing employees with dear guidance on how to respond to Congressional inquires which may be posed to them in formal settings (e.g., hearings and briefings) or in informal settings (e.g., visits by Congressional delegations in the field). In fact, a conscientious Agency employee with access to all published policy statements could reasonably conclude that he or she is not permitted to respond to any Congressional inquiry without prior approval from the Office of General Counsel or OCA. 75 SECRET! /X1 (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) ku)ka) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 � CIA/OIG LOAN COPY 197. (U/ /AIUO) Agency employees are instructed in a brochure issued by OCA to be "candid, complete, correct and consistent" in their dealings with Congress. But even this guidance, which is not available in any Agency database and strictly speaking not a statement of policy, is ambiguous. The OCA brochure states that in order to meet their obligation of "consistency," employees must follow "established Agency guidelines when responding to questions or requests for information." Agency regulations, in turn, require employees to refer questions from Congress to OCA or, in the case of resource matters, to the CFO. Thus, a conscientious Agency employee, with access to the OCA brochure, could conclude that he or she would have to obtain permission from OCA or the CFO before responding to any Congressional inquiry for budgetary information. Even the Executive Director's 27 March 2000 instruction, which was distributed as an Employee Bulletin, did not establish new policy, but rather restated existing policy. 198. (U/ /AIUO) Carey accurately stated at the 16 March 2000 HPSCI hearing that he had not seen the Lotus Note prior to the hearing. The statement in Carey's letter to then-SSG Staff Director Rostow that no member of his senior management team was aware of the Lotus Note prior to the 16 March 2000 hearing proved to be inaccurate, although this was apparently not known to Carey at the time he signed the letter. In fact, ADDS&T Runyan read the 25 February Lotus Note shortly after it was issued. Although DDS&T Isham recalls having told Carey, the day after the 16 March hearing, that Runyan had seen the Lotus Note, Carey says he did not learn of this until several months later when he was interviewed as part of this investigation. Carey's version is bolstered by the fact that the copy of the Lotus Note that was forwarded to him on 17 March by Runyan did not show Runyan as a recipient of the original note. 199. (U/ /AIUO) Carey testified at the 16 March HPSCI hearing that the DS&T's Lotus Note did not represent CIA policy on dealing with Congress. In his 23 March letter to then-SSCI Staff 76 SECRET/ /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA /0IG LOAN COPY Director Rostow, Carey reiterated his testimony to the HPSCI, writing "I emphatically underscore that the note does not accurately articulate our policy on dealing with Congress." Insofar as the note suggested that the subject of taxation was "out of bounds for discussion" with the oversight committees or that DS&T employees should refuse to answer questions from committee staff "even if prodded," the note did not, in fact, accurately articulate Agency policy on dealing with Congress. Earlier in his letter, however, Carey refers to the Lotus Note in question as "indicating that certain budgetary information relating to internal CIA 'taxes' should not be shared by individual Agency employees." When this description of the note is juxtaposed with the statement made later in the letter that the note "does not accurately articulate our policy on dealing with Congress," it conveys the impression that it was not the Agency's policy that information relating to internal CIA taxes should not be shared by individual Agency employees. In fact, it had been the Agency's practice, if not its policy, that individual Agency employees should not attempt to share information with the Congress on internal CIA taxes, but rather to refer such inquiries to the CFO or those with broad Directorate knowledge who were better positioned to answer them. Thus, the 23 March letter could be read as conveying an incorrect impression of the Agency's policy. The investigation developed no evidence to suggest a deliberate attempt to mislead Congress, however, and several days after the letter was sent, Carey issued new guidance instructing all employees to respond fully to Congressional inquiries, including budgetary and fiscal matters, following established Agency guidelines. 200. (U/ /ARJO) The disclosure of the 25 F 2000 Lotus Note to the HPSCI created a difficult situation for in the DS&T. She felt that her superiors were placing responsibility for the episode excl-usively on her shoulders and did not support her specific explanation of the genesis of the Lotus Note. This led believe that she was being marginalized in her position. While OIG 77 SECRET/ /X1 (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c1 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET! /X1 CIA /0IG LOAN COPY was made aware of difficulties that ensued, we do not condude that there was a deliberate effort on the part of DS&T senior managers to take retribution against her for her issuance of the Lotus Note. (b)(3) (b)(6) (b)(7)(c) 78 SECRET! !X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET/ /X1 CIA/OIG LOAN COPY RECOMMENDATIONS (b)(3) (b)(5) (b)(7)(c) 79 SECRET! /X1 Approved for Release 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET//X1 (b)(3) (b)(5) (b)(7)(c) (b)(6) CONCUR: L. Britt Snider Inspector General 80 SECRET! X1 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 UNCLASSIFIED EXDIR EB No. 0001-00 27 March 2000 EXDIR REMINDS ALL EMPLOYEES OF AGENCY POLICY ON DEAUNG WITH CONGRESS This time of year traditionally is marked by a busy agenda of Congressional meetings and hearings. Therefore, this is a good opportunity to remind all employees of the Agency's longstanding policy on dealing with Congress. Earlier this month, as I presented the Agency's FY 2001 Program to the Congressional Oversight Committees, it became clear to me that our policy is not as well understood as it needs to be. During one of my briefings, the Chairman indicated that he perceived a lack of candor and forthrightness by Agency officers in responding to requests for information from his Committee. I take the Chairman's comments with the utmost seriousness because a strong partnership between CIA and its oversight committees is critical to the success of US intelligence. The purpose of this notice is to make clear to all employees my expectations on this fundamental issue. I expect all employees to respond fully--and to the best of your knowledge--to Congressional inquiries regarding programs, and activities, including budgetary and fiscal matters. In that regard, all of us--both in Washington and the field--must ensure that all of our dealings with Congress are characterized by the so-called "Four C's": 'Candor: Ensuring that the information you provide is, to the best of your knowledge, true and accurate. *Completeness: Responding to questions in a full and Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 forthright manner. �Correctness: Correcting as soon as possible any incorrect information that you may have provided. 0Consistency: Following established Agency guidelines--available from the Office of Congressional Affairs--when responding to questions or requests for information. I am committed to providing the oversight and appropriations Committees with the information, visibility, and access necessary to effectively carry out their roles. I need your help in fulfilling that commitment so that we can maintain and build upon the trust that exists between the Agency and the Congress. UNCLASSIFIED Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 'Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 (b)(3) 25 February 2000 FROM: OFFICE: SUBJECT: REFERENCE: ChiefS. I need to make you aware of an issue, and enlist your help. ODDST Cuationtuy Note: Discuselon.of Interval Taxes The 7th floor has recently become aware that some CIA officers/program managers are talking to PIM staffers about the Impact of CIA taxes on the health of their programs. No sped& directorates or programs were identified, but I want to remind you (and ask you to remind your managers, both hem and th the field), that the CM regards this subject matter as out of bounds for dIscusskit with staffers or our Committees. CIA taxes are an Internal Issue, and one that often reflects (poorly) on Agency performance in planning, managing, and executing our programs. The Agency does not consider this a matter where we would wish to draw Congressional attention. I know, just as you know, that corporate taxation erodes program dollars and topline gains...the Hill knows it too (Tom Newcomb raised such Issues at today's budget rollout with the authorizers), but we need to be sure that no DS&T folks rain the Issues directly with staffers, even if prodded at briefings or during staff tours/visits. Thanks for ensuring your folks get this wore know these messages are not easy to receive...or to pass along. (b) 3) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) (b)(3) (b)(7)(c (b)(3) (b)(3))(c (b)(1 )7)(c) (b)(3) Sent on 25 February 2000 at 09:19:03 PM Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 � Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389' ":23,Merch 2000 . _ Mr. Nickolas Rostow . � Staff Director:. Senate Select committee on Intelligence Washington, DC 20510 ..: - : � aritr. RostoW, �' (11) _As� a,fellow-uptOYout telephone.conversatiOrlynn Monday 20�,Merch,am Writingtn.ptavide.yoU, further details -regarding.anisSue raised by the Chairman of the House � Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence during his- opening remarks �At the F? .2001 Central.IntelliginceAgency .program hearing:. Mt..:� Goss's remarki indicated that he perceived a lack of candor and forthrightness_byagency officers in responding to -requests for inforMationfrom his Committee. want to assurt.you, as.I did Mr. Goss, that I take. his comments. with the utmost seriousness: '.The � partnership between the Agency and its oVersight, committees is critical to the success of US intelligence. It is incumbent.on.us to provide the Committees with the. information, visibility, and access necessaty:th.carry.out effective 'oversight. _ (U) Mr; Goss made reference to an internal CIA note _indicating that certain budgetary information relating to -internal CZAiataxes':shOUld:not be shared bkinftividual: Agency employees wi)..S.the�Committees� �Neither I nor any member Of mySenior.management team:waslaware of this noce- PtiOrLto:the hearing Subsequent to the hearing. I..wad able to 'obtain the email the Chairman quoted (attiChea.H.1 emphaticalIiI:Underscote that the note:dept-nOtjaCcuritely articulate our policy on.dealinuwith,CongreasiH.. 1U).: Clea.riy loWever, Our policy ii not.asWell' .understood as it Should be. I, will take:immediate-action:to, ensure that all CIA employees, both; here:and-in the field, Understankthatvtandori coipleteneigi.COireCtness, and- _Consistency Exist Characterize all, our dealings with .-Congress:' If at any time you feel that-the,CIAis'not.being , , _ � y - Unclassified when Separated from Attachment (b )(3) Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 UNCLASSIFIMD Mr, Nickolas Rostow responsive to the Committee please alert me. It is my sincere desire to maintain and build upon the trust that exists between the Agency and the Congress. Sincerely, (b)(6) --David W. Carey\ Executive Directory Attachment As Stated CC: Mr. Al Cumming 2 UNCLASSIFIED Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 � Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 SECRET FROM: . � . � SUBJECT: Cuaricrary Nora: Discussion or: Internal Taxes REFERENCE: Chiefs, I need to make you zwa.-e :dr: Issue. and en fist your help: The 7th &cr.'s= .racsazy tat:care awn that some CIA officers/program managers are taikng to Hill � gimlets sow the impeor.ot C:.4 axes on :he health a/ their programs. No specific dretc. rates or. � pragrams were Identified. out i want to remind you (and ask you ro remind your managers, both here arc in the field), that the CIA regards this subfet mane, as out of bounds for discussion with staffers or our � Committees. pi; taxes are ar internal issue, end one that often ;diets 'Cpccriy) on Agent/ perfonr.ancs in planning, 177an41ng, and exec:lung Cur pi:grams, The Agency does not =sider this a meter where we would wish to draw Congressional attention. I know, just as you know, that =morzre tendon erodes program dollars and tcpline gains... the Hill knows it too (Tom Newcomb raisec such ISSUES at today's budget rollout with the authorizers), but we and to i..e sure tr.at no 0.54T folks raise :he issues oirecoy with staffers, even if prodded at briefings or during sraif toUrsNisits. Thanks for ensuring year folk, per this ;MOW these messages are nor easy tc receive... or to pass Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 006230389 Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389 UNCLASSIFIED Mr. Nickolas Rostow SUBJECT: (U) Courtesy Letter to.SSCI Regarding the 16 March Budget Bearing withEPSCI Distribution: Orig - Addressee 1 - Mt. Al Cumming, - DCI 1 DDCI 1 -.DDCl/CM � 1 - EXDIR Chrono- 1 - DDA. 1 - tea 1 - DDO 1 - DDS&T 1 - D/OCA (b)(3) I - RMO/CMS (10)(7)(ca 1 - DAC 1 - Comptroller 1 - CFO Chrono 1 - CFO ISC (b)(3) (b)(7)(c) DCl/CF0t (CFO 00-1088) SSCI (20Mar00) 3 UNCLASSIFIED (b) 3) Approved for Release: 2017/01/30 C06230389