On Monday, November 10th, the Institute of Politics hosted a luncheon and presentation by Mike Rogers, Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and U.S. Representative from Michigan.

Rep. Rogers was warmly introduced by John E. Sununu, the former U.S. Senator from New Hampshire, who explained that Rep. Rogers would be retiring, but would remain involved in the national security debate.

Rep. Rogers began his talk by congratulating the NHIOP for their record of hosting exciting political events.

As a part of this, he acknowledged Executive Director Neil Levesque for his 5 years of success as the leader of the Institute.

He then talked about his role as Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.

He explained that the committee has jurisdiction over the 16 intelligence agencies in the US, including the CIA, Department of Defense, and Department of Homeland Security.

This means that as Chairman, Rogers is actively engaged in real time operations and intelligence.

Rogers spoke of issues of national security and foreign policy such as the Russia taking Crimea, China pushing territorial boundaries, and ISIS in the Middle East. Rogers elaborated that the “Threat matrix is as bad as I have ever seen it,” during his time as Chairman.

He concluded his talk by offering suggestions on how the US can be prosperous.

He argues that we need the best economy in the world to help us be the strongest nation on earth with the strongest military.

Additionally, he supports small and effective engagement by the US in other countries, such as sending aid in the form of military equipment and better surveillance training.

Rogers’ visit to the NHIOP came a month before reports of the Senate Intelligence Committee’s investigation into torture tactics used at CIA prisons were released.

Rogers cautioned the release of the report, saying “Our own intelligence community has assessed that this will cause violence and deaths.”

Rogers has not yet made any further comments on the release of the reports.