Olympia Snowe: “This chart beside me illustrates in the starkest of terms, what we are dealing with. . . ..and what this legislation is…”

“This chart beside me illustrates in the starkest of terms, what we are dealing with. . . ..and what this legislation is all about. I call the contents of this chart to the attention of my colleagues to serve as a reminder of ``the big picture.'' The goal of this reform movement is and has always been to make sure our intelligence agencies are better equipped, organized and managed so that we are in a greater position to detect threats and stop attacks. We want an intelligence community that is better prepared to ensure we don't keep adding to this list. I also refer my colleagues to a quote from the preface of the 9/11 Commission Report: ``The massive departments and agencies that prevailed in the greatest struggles of the twentieth century mush work together in new ways, so that all the instruments of national power can be combined.'' This bill we are debating today speaks directly to this charge. And it is my view that a strong Inspector general is a vital component of that effort.”