Political Quotes

“I wish to commend Senators Daschle and Lott for their leadership in bringing this critical piece of legislation to the Senate just 1 month after the horrific events of September 11. Senators Leahy and Hatch also deserve credit for moving quickly to shape the judiciary components of this bill and choreograph other provisions, including those affecting the intelligence agencies. My remarks will focus on title IX of this legislation, which is entitled ``Improved Intelligence,'' as well as the other provisions in the bill that directly affect the mission of the agencies of the intelligence community. Title IX is derived from S. 1448, legislation which was developed within the intelligence community, entitled ``Intelligence to Prevent Terrorism Act of 2001.'' Since long before September 11, I have been working with members of the committee, particularly Senators Feinstein and Kyl, on comprehensive counterterrorism legislation. Most of the provisions of our bill, with some changes requested by the administration, have now become title IX of S. 1510. The provisions in title IX, as well as other provisions in the bill, are designed to accomplish a daunting but not impossible task. That task is to change the cultures within the Federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies--primarily the FBI and the CIA--so they work seamlessly together for the good of the American people. Both the FBI and the CIA are very good.…”