Federal Intelligence Spending Elements and Considerations

Appropriations for intelligence activities represent a significant part of both the federal and defence budget at a time of growing fiscal austerity. In the past, spending levels for intelligence activities were shrouded in secrecy. Today, overall totals of intelligence spending are made public, but the process for appropriating funds for intelligence activities remains complicated and not well understood. This book discusses the historic trend in intelligence spending, provides a broader issues concerning the intelligence budgeting process, and discusses intelligence issues for Congress.