WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate is honoring the courage and sacrifice of the men and women of the U.S. intelligence community by designating July 26, 2016 as “United States Intelligence Professionals Day.” U.S. Sen. Warner (D- VA), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, introduced a resolution that was unanimously approved by the Senate, acknowledging intelligence officers, past and present, for their service and professionalism in protecting the United States from those who wish to do us harm.

“Intelligence professionals work tirelessly in defense of our nation, yet we seldom hear about their successes or their sacrifices,” said Sen. Warner. “These quiet heroes work in silence to protect the nation, being unable to discuss their jobs even with their own families. As a member of the Intelligence Committee, I see how their dedication and hard work keep our country safe, and I thank them for their service to our nation.”

This bill comes 69 years after President Harry Truman signed the National Security Act of 1947, which laid the foundation for today’s intelligence community and continues to govern its activities.

The legislation to establish Intelligence Professionals Day was co-sponsored by Intelligence Committee Chair Richard Burr (R-NC), Vice Chair Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and Committee members Sens. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Susan Collins (R-ME), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Angus King (I-ME), James Lankford (R-OK), and Marco Rubio (R-FL).

“Our intelligence personnel put their lives on the line every day to keep America safe,” said Sen. Burr. “Due to the nature of intelligence work, it is often impossible to recognize the contributions of these dedicated men and women in a public way. As Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, I understand and appreciate the dedication of our intelligence officials. Thank you for what you do to protect American lives.”

“I’ve served on the Senate Intelligence Committee for seven years, and over that time I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the incredible work done by the intelligence community to keep our country safe,” said Sen. Feinstein. “These individuals work behind the scenes with little or no fanfare and their dedication serves as an example for us all. I’m proud of their work and thankful for everything they do.”

“Intelligence professionals serve our country in anonymity knowing that most of the work they do to protect our freedom will never be made public,” Sen. Mikulski said. “They are unsung heroes who risk their lives and even give their lives fighting terrorists and those who wish to do this country harm. This bill honors America’s intelligence professionals with their own national day of recognition.  As a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I am proud and honored to support the brave men and women of the intelligence community.”

“As I’ve seen first-hand, the men and women of our Intelligence Community work every day to protect and defend this nation, and they do it behind the scenes with little fanfare or acclaim. We may never know their names, but we’re able to go about our everyday lives free from fear because of their work. And for that they deserve our enduring praise and gratitude,” Sen. King said. “I’m proud the Senate joined together to pass this resolution thanking and paying tribute to those professionals, but I’m even prouder that we have people of such incredible bravery and character serving our nation.”

The full text of the resolution is available here.

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