NSA Rudd Trump Cyber Command Senate surveillance.

The Army general tapped to lead the NSA is promising to follow the law and the Constitution when it comes to using the NSA’s powerful surveillance tools. Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd told members of the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday that the NSA plays a critical role in the nation’s defense by protecting it against espionage and cyberattacks. If confirmed by the Senate, Rudd would also serve as the commander of the Pentagon’s Cyber Command, which oversees the nation’s defensive and offensive cyber operations. The NSA has been without a permanent director since President Donald Trump fired Gen. Tim Haugh last year.