Director of National Intelligence retired Navy Adm. Mike McConnell delivers remarks after his ceremonial swearing-in at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, February 20, 2007. (Jim Young/Reuters)From Yahoo News/Reuters:
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House on Thursday unveiled an overhaul of intelligence powers that concentrates power in the national intelligence director and drew immediate criticism from Congress for failing to consult on the changes.
U.S. President George W. Bush approved revising a 1981 executive order to better define the various intelligence agencies' roles and responsibilities as well as take into account a 2004 law that created the director of national intelligence job.
The efforts to shore up U.S. intelligence activities follow numerous lapses, including failing to detect the September 11 attacks ahead of time as well as erroneous conclusions about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.
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More News On The U.S. Intelligence Overhaul
Bush orders overhaul of US intelligence -- AFP
Bush approves revision of order governing U.S. spy agencies -- International Herald Tribune
White House unveils intelligence powers overhaul -- Reuters
Bush Issues Order Overhauling US Intelligence Agencies -- Voice Of America
Bush Expands Intel Chief's Role -- NPR
McConnell on New Intelligence Executive Order -- Washington Independent
Bush Administration Announces Restructuring of Intelligence Agencies -- Washington Post
Fact Sheet: A Lasting Framework for United States Intelligence Activities -- Market Watch
My Comment: You would think such a major overhaul will be left to the new administration after November's election. There is obviously a considerable need to get this done now .... not later. I can only speculate on what those reason are .... but when changes are done in haste .... and this being done in haste .... this is usually indicative that there is information out there that demands changes be done ASAP. Congress has a right to be peeved on the day that they are about to go out for summer recess and getting ready for the November elections. The timing is just too perfect.