Washington– Army General tapped for command US National Security Agency He assured lawmakers Thursday that he will follow the Constitution and the law when it comes to using the NSA’s powerful surveillance tools.
Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd, if confirmed by the Senate, will run the Pentagon’s Cyber Command, giving him a critical role in the nation’s offensive and defensive cyber operations.
The NSA has been without a permanent director since President Donald Trump General Tim Hoge was fired last year. Questions asked at Rudd’s confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee reflected concerns about whether or not Trump had done so Politicized the Use of federal law enforcement And security software for goal for him Critics and Political opponents.
Rudd has held senior positions in the Army Special Forces, served in Iraq and Afghanistan and is now deputy commander of the Indo-Pacific Command. He told senators that the NSA’s mission is essential to protecting the lives of service members and the success of their missions while also keeping the nation safe from espionage and digital threats.
Rudd assured skeptical Democrats that he would follow the law if asked to turn NSA spyware against Americans simply for their speech or political beliefs, something prohibited by federal law.
“If you were directed to target people in the United States for surveillance, would you insist on a warrant?” asked Sen. Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon.
“If confirmed, I will be fully committed to carrying out the NSA’s foreign intelligence mission in accordance with the authorities granted to it and within the framework of all applicable laws,” Rudd said in response.
The National Security Agency focuses on cybersecurity, Digital surveillance US national security encryption programs work closely with other intelligence agencies and the Pentagon. Its importance has increased in recent years as the Internet and digital technology have created new opportunities for intelligence gathering as well as new threats from ChinaAnd Russia and Other opponents.
The lawmakers also demanded assurances that he would inform them of any efforts by the White House to change surveillance policies without congressional approval.
Senators from both parties said they believe so Nomination of Rod He will be confirmed by the full Senate. No date has been announced for voting on his nomination.