Prior to the passage of the Patriot Act, it was very difficult - often impossible - for us to share information with the Central Intelligence Agency, with NSA, with the other intelligence agencies, and likewise, for them to share information with us.

Summary

This quote highlights the lack of information sharing between different intelligence agencies before the implementation of the Patriot Act. It suggests that prior to this legislation, it was extremely challenging or even not feasible for agencies like the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the National Security Agency (NSA) to share information with each other or with other intelligence organizations. The quote implies that the Patriot Act played a crucial role in facilitating better communication and exchanging vital information among intelligence agencies, enhancing their effectiveness in national security and counterterrorism efforts.

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