Problem
The overall budget for Intelligence operations is not classified and is released by the ODNI. Between the National Intelligence Program and Military Intelligence Program, the White House requested $81.1 billion dollars for fiscal 2019, according to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. However, specific programs still remained classified.
In March 2018, House Resolution 1105 was introduced in both the House and Senate to require that the annual budget submissions of the Presidents include the total dollar amount requested for Intelligence related activities. This legislation would force the IC agencies to publicly disclose their annual budget requests. The bill directs disclosure of the so-called black budget items for each IC agency's annual budget request. The bill is intended to be a step toward greater accountability and transparency in the Intelligence Community.
Some Congressional representatives believe that not disclosing budgets calls into question the efficiency and efficacy of government programs. There is a concern of unlimited money and non-existent oversight. Public oversight of the budget would inform the American people of the effectiveness of the Intelligence budget in support of national security.
As a senior Intelligence leader, recommend support on non-support of H.R. 5406: Intelligence Budget Transparency Act of 2018. Support your position with examples and facts on the benefits, risks, impacts, etc.
There are no wrong answers and consider this an opportunity to use critical thinking to address a very important IC leadership issue.