Rep. Quigley joins House Intelligence panel

WASHINGTON — Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill. was tapped by House Democratic Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., for a spot on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill. is also a member of the panel. Rep. Jan Schakowsky D-Ill., who had been on the panel, stepped down because of limits of how many terms a member can serve on the committee.

Quigley remains a member of the House Committee on Appropriations.

Below, statement from Quigley…

“I am honored to be appointed by Leader Pelosi to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, which plays such a crucial role in preserving the safety and national security of the United States. Given the complex security challenges facing our nation, from terrorism to cyber security, the work of the committee is more important now than ever. I believe the government has both the capability and responsibility to strike the proper balance between protecting our nation’s security and protecting the civil liberties of its citizens. I am humbled by the trust placed in me by my caucus to serve as a watchdog over our intelligence agencies.

“Representing Chicago, one of the nation’s largest cities and a major hub for travel and commerce, I bring to the committee a unique understanding of the national security challenges we face. But here in DC or back home in Chicago, people know me for the work I’ve done to make government more open and accountable. Although matters before the committee are often classified, I’ll bring reformed-minded governing in overseeing our intelligence agencies.”