The Hindu : International : U.S. House passes intelligence reform Bill

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Thursday, Dec 09, 2004

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International

U.S. House passes intelligence reform Bill

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

WASHINGTON, DEC. 8. In spite of objections from some in the Grand Old Party, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed the intelligence reform Bill. The overwhelming vote — 336 to 75 — followed intense lobbying by the President, George W Bush, and Vice-President, Dick Cheney, to win over conservative Republicans who held up the Bill for three weeks. Still, 67 Republicans voted against it and 22 members did not register a vote.

Extensive overhaul

The Bill which has been supported by many families of the September 11, 2001 tragedy includes some key recommendations of a National Commission like the creation of a Director of National Intelligence who will oversee some of the 15 spy agencies. It goes to the Senate which is expected to approve it today. The reform of the intelligence machinery is the most extensive ever and will be the second major overhaul since the 9/11. Congress had earlier created the Homeland Security Department which brought together law enforcement agencies besides fine tuning cooperation with intelligence outfits.

Rumsfeld to stay

The Secretary of Defence, Donald Rumsfeld, has confirmed that he has been asked to stay by Mr. Bush. "The President asked me if I would be willing to stay on and I told him I would be delighted to do that," he told reporters travelling with him on a three-nation tour including India.

He said he enjoyed working with Mr. Bush. "He is a good leader; he's an excellent executive."

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