WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Adam Schiff (CA-29) today released the following statement in reference to the creation of a National Intelligence Director (NID) post:
“The 9/11 Commission wisely recognized the need to have efficient oversight and budgetary authority over our intelligence agencies,” Congressman Schiff said. “A National Intelligence Director will effectively consolidate our intelligence-gathering capabilities and enable communication among agencies. It should not have taken three years for the Administration to take this action, but I am pleased that we are now making this reform to better prevent terrorist attacks from happening. I look forward to the upcoming meetings of the House International Relations Committee so we may take further necessary action on the Commission’s recommendations.”
In its findings released on July 22, the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks recommended that the Director of Central Intelligence be replaced by a NID to oversee all intelligence-gathering functions. In a White House Rose Garden press conference earlier today, President Bush embraced many of the Commission’s recommendations, including the creation of the NID position. The Commission recommended that the position be located within the Executive Office of the President, but President Bush wants it outside of his cabinet.
Congressman Schiff is the co-founder of the Democratic Study Group on National Security and a member of both the House Judiciary and International Relations committees. He represents California’s 29th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.