To Reform or Not to Reform: The Intel Deal

Wheels Off Intelligence Deal from the AP looks at the problems behind the intelligence reform bill. //JW's Desknote: I do not see much reform in this bill unless it is re-written to allow the new director (NID) to have budgetary control over all intelligence agencies, not just those outside the Pentagon. We should not pass reform (just before Christmas break, mind you) just to pass reform. If we take this bill in its present state and flash-back to Sept 10, 2001, it is very unlikely that this proposed reform would have any effect upon the intelligence community to enable that system to prevent Sept 11, 2001 from occuring....More to follow//JW sends.

The deal "contains not only major reforms of the intelligence community, but significant measures to improve aviation and border security, and emergency preparedness and response," the commission's leaders, Thomas Kean and Lee Hamilton, said in a statement.

But critics led by Hunter said the bill would interfere with the chain of military command and potentially place troops at risk in combat. Other opponents, including Sensenbrenner, were unhappy that the bill did not go further to change immigration laws.

A final agreement on legislation has been held up for weeks while House and Senate negotiators wrangled over those issues, as well as how much control the new intelligence director should have over budget matters and whether terrorists should face stiffer penalties.