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What is the buckley report?

The "Buckley Report" is a common term used to refer to "The Report of the Presidential Commission on the Central Intelligence Agency's Intelligence Activities Abroad". This report was officially known as the "Report to the President by the Commission on CIA Activities Within the United States", but it's more commonly known as the "Buckley Report" after its chair, William F. Buckley Jr.

The report was commissioned by President Gerald Ford in 1975 following revelations of CIA wrongdoing, including illegal domestic surveillance and covert operations. The commission, composed of prominent figures from various fields, was tasked with investigating the CIA's activities and recommending reforms.

Key Findings and Recommendations of the Buckley Report:

* The CIA had engaged in illegal and unethical activities within the United States, including opening mail, infiltrating organizations, and conducting surveillance without proper authorization.

* The CIA's activities had undermined civil liberties and violated the public trust.

* The CIA's structure and operations needed significant reform to prevent future abuses.

The report led to several significant changes in the CIA's operations, including:

* The creation of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, which oversees the intelligence community.

* The establishment of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which regulates the government's use of surveillance.

* Increased public scrutiny and oversight of the CIA's activities.

The Buckley Report remains a landmark document in the history of intelligence oversight and reform. It served as a wake-up call to the government and the public about the potential for abuse of power by intelligence agencies.

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