White House unveils intelligence powers overhaul

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Source: Reuters


White House unveils intelligence powers overhaul 1 hour, 53 minutes ago

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.

Even after the position was created, the intelligence community has not been without controversy. Last December it issued a report that questioned Iran's nuclear weapons ambitions despite concerns by some administration hardliners.

"Today's actions will help create a more effective intelligence community capable of providing the president and his advisers with information necessary to defend our national and homeland security," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said.

The action by Bush provoked bipartisan anger among House of Representatives lawmakers who said they were not properly consulted or briefed on the planned changes.

"We were only shown the document after it was complete and on its way to the president for his signature," said Rep. Silvestre Reyes, a Texas Democrat who heads the House Intelligence Committee.



Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080731/pl_nm/usa_intelligence_dc

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