Adm. Michael Rogers, director of the National Security Agency, said Monday that the intelligence leaks of Michael Flynn's discussions with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. "hurt" American national security.
Rogers was testifying before the House Intelligence Committee when Rep. Tom Rooney (R., Fla.) asked Rogers if leaking the identity of a U.S. person "who has been unmasked and disseminated by intelligence community officials" to the press would "hurt or help our ability to conduct national security matters."
"Hurt," Rogers quickly replied.
Rooney then asked Rogers about the 702 program, which is used to surveil foreign entities and people and had aspects of it leaked to the press.
"Doesn't that leak [of the 702 program] hurt our national security?" Rooney asked, referring to the leaks of masked individuals in the program.
"Yes, sir," Rogers answered.
Rooney went on to say the leak of the program would cause problems for Congress as it needs to reauthorize it per law in a few months.
Flynn's identity in a 702 program was leaked to the press after his conversation last year with the Russian ambassador was intercepted. Flynn later misled Vice President Mike Pence about the nature of the discussion, leading to his resignation last month as President Donald Trump's national security adviser.
Obama administration loyalists still serving in the federal government launched a behind-the-scenes effort to oust Flynn, the Washington Free Beacon reported last month.