Sen. Collins' Statement On Resignation Of NCTC Director Matt Olsen

         WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins, former Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee and author of the 2004 Collins-Lieberman Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevent Act, today released this statement following the announcement that Matt Olsen, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, will resign later this year.

          “Under Director Olsen’s strong leadership, the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) has been transformed into the Center that former Senator Joseph Lieberman and I hoped it would become ten years ago when we authored the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, which created the NCTC. I want to express my gratitude to him and the previous directors of the NCTC for turning our vision into a reality.

          “Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to thank Matt and the other professionals at NCTC in person for their service on the occasion of the 10thAnniversary of the creation of the NCTC. Matt, and many others who work beside him, put in long hours and are dedicated to protecting our country. Even their holidays are frequently anxiety-ridden because they know the real threats this country faces every day increase at large public gatherings.

          “Director Olsen’s resignation is a tremendous loss at a time when our nation faces mounting terrorist threats in a very dangerous world. I hope the President will expeditiously nominate a new leader matched to the daunting task of preventing and thwarting terrorist attacks.”

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