Which agency is responsible for managing national security and intelligence?

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is the agency primarily responsible for managing national security and intelligence in the United States. Established in 1947, the CIA plays a crucial role in gathering, processing, and analyzing national security information from around the world. The agency's primary function is to provide national security intelligence to senior U.S. policymakers, including the president, to help inform decisions regarding foreign relations and security matters.

The CIA also conducts covert operations to address threats to national security, making it an essential component of the U.S. government's strategies for managing both intelligence and security issues. As such, its commitment to safeguarding national interests through intelligence gathering and analysis is fundamental to its mission.

Other agencies mentioned serve different roles. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) focuses on environmental protection, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) provides auditing, evaluation, and investigative services for Congress, and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is responsible for regulating the securities industry and protecting investors. Thus, the distinct mission of the CIA concerning national security and intelligence distinguishes it from the functions of these other agencies.