brennan,pper, john ,ames comey, richard leggett rasmussenrt, and nick . thank you all for being here. i recognize the challenges associated with discussing national security issues and public but i hope you understand that this is important expanding to the american people the threats we face and helene the efforts of the men and women in the intelligence community. director clapper, this is your last hearing with this committee. i would like to thank you for your 55 years of service. director clapper, i was concerned -- i recall your concerned. i share your assessment of the current threat environment. highest faces the 9/11t level since the attacks. al qaeda, isis, and other terror groups are rapidly expanding. without u.s. leadership, this trend will continue. we have discussed syria and iraq with you at link. i believe the u.s. response to those complex

i like to welcome james clapper, director of the central andlligence agency, richard leggett, directorfense intelligence agency, lieutenant general vincent stewart and nicolas rasmussen. thank you all. i recognize the challenges associated with discussing sensitive issues in public. i hope you agree that this open forum is critical to explain to the american people the serious threats we face, and also the the efforts of the brave men and women of the intelligence community to keep us safe. i speak for the entire community and i thank you for your service, sacrifice, and dedication. director clapper, this is your last worldwide threat hearing with his committee. i would like to especially thank you for your 55 years of service to this great nation. recall frompper, i last year's testimony, you were concerned about a vast array of threats to remarkably, the number seems to have grown since then. generally, i share your assessment of the current threat environment. truth is, the u.s. faces the highest threat level since the 9/11 attacks. the american people do not need a security clearan