Trent Lott: “I conclude by talking about what we should do now. The Intelligence Committee should do its job. We should not jump to…”

“I conclude by talking about what we should do now. The Intelligence Committee should do its job. We should not jump to conclusions. Let's review the report. Let's do our homework. We pushed so much of it off on our staff, now it is time we do it ourselves. Let's read what is in there and then let's decide what recommendations we are going to make. Why do we have these committees that are evenly divided? I have studied the history. I have been involved in how the Intelligence Committee works. We have carefully tried to make sure we put our best on that committee and that it is equally divided and that it is not partisan. The same thing in the House. Now it is time we lead and show some direction. I hope we will take some action. I am for actually making some really aggressive rules. I am not sure our intelligence community is set up properly. I don't like the idea that we have 13 different agencies running around. Who is in charge, who coordinates and asks them and directs them? I think there are some problems there. Then there are those saying we need an independent commission. The President said we should have one. Let's do everything we can to find out the facts and see the recommendations and take action and reassure ourselves and the American people. Now that is being condemned. I think we should do our work in the Intelligence Committee. Let the President appoint this independent commission.”