Email Inquiry Lyrics
From: ejsnowd@nsa.ic.gov
Sent: Friday, April 05, 2013 4:11 PM
To: DL gc_web (Alias) D2
Subject: Comments from the D2 General Counsel Email Us Form
Hello, I have a question regarding the mandatory USSID 18 training.
The training states the following:
(U) The Hierarchy of Governing Authorities and Documents is displayed from the highest authority to the lowest authority as follows:
U.S. Consitution
Federal Statutes/Presidential Executive Orders (EO)
Department of Defense (DoD) and Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) Regulations
NSA/CSS Directives and Policies
USSIDs
SID Management Directives and Policies
Office Policies
I'm not entirely certain, but this does not seem correct, as it seems to imply Executive Orders have the same precedence as as law. My understanding is that EOs may be superseded by federal statute, but EOs may not override statute. Am I incorrect in this? Between EOs and laws, which have precedence?
Similarly, between DoD and ODNI regulations, which has greater precedence?
Could you please clarify?
Thank you very much,
Ed
From: [Redacted]
Sent: Monday, April 08, 2013 1:37 PM
To: Snowden Edward J NSA-FHV USA CTR
CC: [Redacted]
Subject: RE: (U) Question for OGC re OVSC1800 Course Content - (U) FW: Comments from the D2 General Counsel Email Us Form
Executive Orders (E.O.s) have the "force and effect of law." That said, you are correct that E.O.s cannot override a statute.
In general, DOD and ODNI regulations are afforded similar precedence though subject matter or date could result in one having precedence over another.
Please give me a call if you would like to discuss further.
Regards,
[Redacted]
[Redacted]
Office of General Counsel/D21
About
From IC on the Record:
NSA has now explained that they have found one email inquiry by Edward Snowden to the Office of General Counsel asking for an explanation of some material that was in a training course he had just completed. The e-mail did not raise allegations or concerns about wrongdoing or abuse, but posed a legal question that the Office of General Counsel addressed.
There was not additional follow-up noted. The e-mail will be released later today. There are numerous avenues that Mr. Snowden could have used to raise other concerns or whistleblower allegations. We have searched for additional indications of outreach from him in those areas and to date have not discovered any engagements related to his claims.
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