Director of National Intelligence Honors Senator Hatch

Director of National Intelligence Honors Senator Hatch

May 13, 2011

Director Clapper Awards the National Intelligence Distinguished Public Service Medal

Washington, D.C. Former Sen. Orrin Hatch received the National Intelligence Distinguished Public Service Medal from Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper yesterday in a Capitol Hill ceremony.

Director Clapper recognized Sen. Hatch for his leadership and advocacy while a member on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the Committee on the Judiciary in ensuring the Intelligence Community and law enforcement have the authorities and resources to protect Americans.

“Senator Hatch has given two decades of dedicated service to the Senate Intelligence Committee and his leadership as former Chairman of the Judiciary Committee has also been extremely critical to the work of the Intelligence Community,” Clapper said.  “Senator Hatch was essential in the passage of the PATRIOT Act and the FISA Amendments Act, which ensured our law enforcement and intelligence personnel have the tools and authorities they need to detect and disrupt terrorist threats.  His support for the National Security Agency’s cyber security efforts will also continue to enhance our abilities to keep our nation secure for future generations.  On behalf of the Intelligence Community, I want to thank Senator Hatch for his deep commitment to protecting our homeland.”

“It was my distinct honor to serve on the Intelligence Committee and be at the table during a time our country was handling some of the most important and sensitive national security operations,” stated Hatch.  “I have a deep respect and admiration for the men and women in the intelligence community who are on the front lines protecting our nation each and every day.  They are the ones who tracked down Osama Bin Laden. They are the ones who spend every day dedicated to protecting our security and the future security of our nation.  They are the ones who deserve the credit and the thanks – and it is to them that I dedicate this award.”

Key Background

The National Intelligence Distinguished Public Service Medal is the highest award that can be granted to non-career Federal employees, private citizens or others who have performed distinguished service of exceptional significance to the Intelligence Community. The DNI established the award on Oct. 1, 2008, to acknowledge individuals who rendered extraordinary service at considerable personal sacrifice and who were motivated by patriotism, good citizenship or a sense of public responsibility.

The Director of National Intelligence leads intelligence integration across the 16 federal organizations that comprise the Intelligence Community. The DNI also manages the implementation of the National Intelligence Program. Additionally, the DNI serves as the principal adviser to the president and the National Security Council on intelligence issues related to national security.

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