Top intelligence officials testified before a Senate committee on Capitol Hill Wednesday about worldwide threats facing the U.S.

Director of National Intelligence James Clapper addressed the current instability in the Middle East and Gulf region as well as weapons of mass destruction.
   
Clapper also warned of the continuing menace from terrorists, both outside and inside the U.S.

"We also see disturbing instances of self-radicalization among our citizens," he told the Senate Select Intelligence Committee. 

"While home-grown terrorists are numerically a small part of the global threat, they have a disproportionate impact because they understand our homeland, have connections here, and have easier access to U.S. facilities," he said.
    
A main emphasis of the Senate hearing was making sure the intelligence community has the tools and legal backing to effectively do its job of protecting the country.