They have refused to give details, citing continuing intelligence operations.
But law enforcement officials told the New York Times that the disclosures of sensitive information were alarming nonetheless, as they came against the backdrop of continuing intelligence operations overseas.
The Times agreed to hold off publication of some specific information that top intelligence officials said would compromise a vital, continuing intelligence operation.
The law requires that the executive branch notify members of Congress about continuing intelligence activities, not that it seek their consent.
They have accused the agency of continuing intelligence failures, from the overthrow of the shah's government in Iran in 1979 to the terrorist attacks of 9/11.
Mike Rogers, the Republican intelligence committee chairman in the House of Representatives, last month said that administration leaks revealing details of a failed plot out of Yemen to blow up a US-bound plane, exposed by an informant, jeopardised a continuing intelligence operation.
On another point about continuing intelligence activities, the Russian leader indicated that the 1,500 Russian military technicians who operate an electronic eavesdropping facility at Lourdes, outside the Cuban capital and used to intercept communications in the United States, may not be here permanently.
The administration will reserve the right to continue collecting intelligence in friendly countries that pertains to criminal activity, potential terrorist threats and the proliferation of unconventional weapons, according to several officials.
The NYT adds: The administration will reserve the right to continue collecting intelligence in friendly countries that pertains to criminal activity, potential terrorist threats and the proliferation of unconventional weapons, according to several officials.
While intelligence operations to gather insight and information should be continued, all intelligence operations to destabilize the Iranian government, should they exist, should be terminated.
