Intelligence chief: Budget cuts threaten U.S. safety

WASHINGTON — The nation's top intelligence official offered a blunt assessment Tuesday of forced federal budget cuts, saying the reductions "jeopardize our nation's safety and security.''

National Intelligence Director James Clapper said the projected loss of thousands of analysts and contractors ''may risk missing an early sign of an attack.''

In testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Clapper said the effects of the sequester are "already underway.''

"It will be insidious,'' Clapper told the panel, referring to the loss of 5,000 contractors and the expected forced furloughs of "thousands of FBI employees.''

Clapper addressed the budget crisis before expressing deep "concern'' about a range of potential threats, including the "propaganda-laced rhetoric'' emanating from the regime in North Korea.

"I am very concerned about the actions of the new young leader,'' Clapper said, referring to recent statements by leader Kim Jung Un. "We are concerned about what they might do and could initiate provocation.''