For Immediate Release
September 9, 2004

Global Message

President Bush on Wednesday conveyed a detailed proposal for legislative action to create a National Intelligence Director

President Bush intends to give the National Intelligence Director (NID) full budget authority over the National Foreign Intelligence Program appropriation and the management tools necessary to successfully oversee the Intelligence Community. This would ensure the full integration of foreign and domestic intelligence.

President Bush seeks intelligence reform legislation that is consistent with the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission.

President Bush endorsed many of the 9/11 Commission's recommendations on August 2, including the creation of an NID and a National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC).

The Administration was already implementing many of the actions suggested by the Commission well before the report was issued. The Administration is already implementing or otherwise addressing 36 of the Commission's 41 recommendations.

Of the remaining five recommendations, two call for changes to Congressional oversight of intelligence and homeland security. The Administration endorses these recommendations. It is also studying the remaining three recommendations.

President Bush also has announced that the NID should be assisted by a cabinet-level Joint Intelligence Community Council.

This Council will help ensure the implementation of a joint, unified national intelligence effort to protect national and homeland security. The Council will advise the NID on setting requirements, financial management, establishing uniform intelligence policies, and monitoring and evaluating performance of the Intelligence Community.