Congressman Adam Smith Reacts to the Failure of Congress to Pass Intelligence Reform Bill
November 22, 2004
Congressman Adam Smith (D-Tacoma) made the following statement regarding the failure of the Republican Congress to enact the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission.
“This past weekend, the Republican House leadership had the opportunity to pass bipartisan intelligence reform legislation that would have made the American people safer. Instead, petty partisan politics interfered and did not allow this bill to proceed.
Back in September I called for the implementation of the recommendations of the 9/11 commission. I even cosponsored a bill that would have created a strong National Intelligence Director with real budget authority, improved Congressional oversight of the Intelligence community among other things.
Republicans control the House, the Senate and the White House and the blame for this failure rests on their shoulders. This legislation is too important to be used as a partisan football.
We must strengthen our intelligence capabilities and refocus our efforts on defeating international terrorist organizations. This bill provided legislation that is critical to the War on Terror and for strengthening America’s security.”