Sherrill Aims to Strengthen Responses to Global Crises Through Greater Intelligence Sharing
Legislation Builds on Declassification of Key Intel Ahead of Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine – Which Could be Instrumental in a Future Conflict Between China and Taiwan
WASHINGTON D.C. — Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) introduced new legislation today to strengthen intelligence sharing practices that have proved essential to aiding our allies in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, and could strengthen U.S. national security and de-escalate future conflicts.
“Strong defense intelligence was critical to my work as a Russian policy officer in the U.S. Navy and, recently, we’ve seen how swift, strategic declassification and information sharing between allies has aided Ukraine’s efforts fending off Russia’s unprecedented invasion. With this bill, I aim to ensure this effective strategy is studied and implemented in the future to protect our national security and deter future aggression, particularly between China and Taiwan. Proper information sharing channels and processes must be at the ready so if conflict occurs, information can flow as expeditiously as needed to prevent wars and save lives,” said Rep. Sherrill.
The Defense Information Sharing Review & Regional Integration Act will require the Department of Defense (DoD) to study the impact of how defense information sharing has affected the outcome of the Ukraine conflict. It will also mandate the DoD reviews and briefs Congress on what best practices, processes, and procedures worked throughout that conflict and what should/is being integrated into other Combatant Commands.
As Putin prepared to invade Ukraine, and in the course of the war since, the Biden Administration has strategically shared information with both the Ukrainians and our NATO allies. This “information diplomacy” has enabled our European allies to better withstand Putin’s aggression and strengthened U.S.-Ukraine-NATO ties.
Previous studies conducted found that information sharing is crucial to strengthening allies and partners and is critical for maintaining a resilient and decisive force. According to a Center for a New American Security (CNAS) study, information sharing is an integral aspect of institutional integration, which supports coordinated US interagency and allies’ intergovernmental decision-making, ultimately leading to better deterrence and better security outcomes. However, CNAS found that the potential ceiling of appropriate information sharing is not being reached within DoD.
Sherrill crafted this legislation after a Taiwan contingency exercise conducted by the Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). A lack of pre- and in-crisis information sharing led to detrimental effects, such as lack of a comprehensive regional response and negative diplomatic outcomes that limited US policy options.
Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill served in the U.S. Navy for almost a decade as a helicopter pilot and Russian policy officer. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.
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