Wicker Intelligence Bill Strengthens National Security

WICKER: INTELLIGENCE BILL STRENGTHENS NATIONAL SECURITY
REPORT FROM CONGRESS
By Congressman Roger F. Wicker

June 27, 2005

With passage of the 2006 intelligence authorization bill last week, the U. S. House of Representatives took action to strengthen national security and continue fighting the global war on terrorism.

The legislation includes provisions to bolster intelligence-gathering capabilities around the world and implement post-September 11 reforms designed to make America safer. This is just the latest in a series of actions we have taken in Washington to protect the homeland and make our intelligence agencies more responsive to the threats against our country.

The demand for improved intelligence has increased dramatically since the terrorist attacks in Washington, D.C, and New York revealed shortcomings in this vital national security component. Congress and President Bush have responded by enacting reforms to deal with resourceful and determined enemies.

ADVANCING INTEL REFORMS

One of the key actions was passage of legislation in 2004 that implemented many of the recommendations of the 9-11 Commission. It was the first major overhaul of the nation's intelligence apparatus since 1949. The plan created an overall national director of intelligence and mandated greater information sharing among different government branches and agencies.

Another positive step was taken earlier this year with approval of the REAL ID Act. The new law enhances border security and homeland protections by preventing illegal aliens from getting drivers licenses.

ENEMIES 'DEDICATED, DETERMINED'

In its report to accompany the 2006 authorization bill, the Intelligence Committee was forceful in its description of the dangers we face. The Committee noted the U.S. must remain vigilant in assessing fast-changing conditions to meet threats not only from specific countries, but from organizations like Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups who operate without regard to borders.

The report says, "Our enemies are varied, intelligent, dedicated, and determined. Terrorists have demonstrated the ability to strike within the U.S, and the threat of attack will remain for the long-term foreseeable future...In the face of such wide-ranging and non-traditional threats, our intelligence community must be able to predict and respond with increasing agility."

Recognizing the value of having personnel on the ground in key locations, the measure would increase funding to recruit and train more human intelligence operatives. The Committee noted that the intelligence community requires "highly-trained personnel who can understand foreign cultures and who can speak the languages of the various intelligence targets."

MORE LINGUISTS, ANALYSTS NEEDED

The bill would increase the number of linguists and analysts to process volumes of information in a timely manner. It provides for development of "technical collection" programs to ensure deployment of the most highly-sophisticated equipment, including satellites, aircraft, ships, and land-based collection systems. It also advances a long-term counterterrorism program to put an added focus on current and emerging terror threats.

Another provision would reaffirm the role of the Director of National Intelligence in managing intelligence-gathering operations. The Director is mandated to ensure that our intelligence agencies work together to collect, analyze, and disseminate information swiftly.

The effectiveness of our intelligence community is critical to protecting American national security interests around the world and safeguarding our homeland. These measures provide important tools to meet this challenge.

http://www.house.gov/wicker/National.htm