House approves two diversity amendments to intelligence bill

The House on Thursday afternoon accepted two Democratic amendments to a bill authorizing intelligence spending for the rest of FY 2011.

The first, from Rep. John Barrow (D-Ga.), would require intelligence agencies to work with black colleges to develop curricula that will prepare students for intelligence careers. The second, from Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), would require a report on the diversity of intelligence officers.

The House ended debate on amendments to the bill, H.R. 754, at about 4:20 p.m., and will need to take up four roll-call votes on amendments Friday before moving to a vote on the bill itself. Several Democrats indicated earlier in the day that they would support the bill.

Amendment votes to be taken up Friday include one on a technical amendment from House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Mich.). This is expected to pass, and would eliminate language that many Democrats supported because it would help audit intelligence spending.

Another, from Rep. Chris Gibson (R-N.Y.), would require a report on how to consolidate the intelligence community, although Democrats indicated they would oppose this amendment in Friday's vote.

One from Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.) would require a report on human-rights violations in Argentina, and one from Rep. John Carney (D-Del.) would establish rail security as a priority for intelligence agencies. Republicans indicated they would oppose both of these amendments on Friday.

On Thursday, Rep. Charlie Dent (R-Pa.) withdrew his amendment, which would have required a report to Congress on information relating to the pursuit of Anwar al-Awlaki, an al Qaeda operative.