Bob Kerrey: “this year's bill once again attempts to help the intelligence community make the transition to a post-cold-war world…”

“this year's bill once again attempts to help the intelligence community make the transition to a post-cold-war world where the looming military threat of the Soviet Union has been replaced by a more subtle--but increasingly serious--array of threats. The committee has attempted to help intelligence make the transition with a series of provisions in the bill to reform the community's weaknesses and renew its confidence in itself and in the products it provides to policy makers. Chairman Specter has been key in ensuring the committee has moved forward to recommend to the Senate important changes in the intelligence community. Under his leadership, we have examined in detail many shortcomings and failures which can only lead to the conclusion substantial change is in order. Without Chairman Specter's tireless efforts on the part of reform and renewal, the committee would not have been able to get to the point where we are today: recommending improvements that will have far reaching effects and make sure the intelligence community is positioned to understand the threats of tomorrow. This year's bill also seeks to provide an adequate level of funding for the intelligence community, with the committee seeking a modest, 1 percent increase to the President's request.”