The NSA is a member of the Dept. of Defense which is a Cabinet member of the executive branch of the US federal gov't. all of which personnel being subordinate to the directions of the president of the USA as to proper execution of enacted US Code and Constitution. The US Congress vested that authority in the office of president. The NSA is not an "independent" agent  or gov't. sponsored corporation (GSC).

This reference is offered, because recently the NYT has argued to a court of law that the NSA is "third-party" to inter-agency communications between itself and officers of the Dept. of Justice.

Diversity is the key to economic and political evolution.