The Talk Show American

THE TALK SHOW AMERICAN: 12/05/2004 - 12/12/2004

Wednesday, December 08, 2004

Key facts: U.S. intelligence bill

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- The following are the highlights of legislation that would enact key intelligence reforms recommended by the September 11 Commission.

The legislation:


establishes the new Director of National Intelligence post to oversee the CIA and other U.S. intelligence agencies. The director is to be approved by the Senate and will have control over much of the budget for U.S. spy agencies. The Pentagon retains control over battlefield assets.

establishes the National Counterterrorism Center to coordinate terrorism-related intelligence and conduct "strategic operational planning," which will include the mission, objectives, tasks and interagency coordination.

creates a Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board to ensure regulations and policies do not threaten privacy rights or civil liberties.

requires the secretary of homeland security to develop and implement a national strategy for transportation security, including steps to improve aviation, air cargo and maritime security.

calls for greater coordination and communication between all levels of government and emergency response providers.

requires the Department of Homeland Security to increase the numbers of border patrol agents by at least 2,000 per year and customs and immigration agents by at least 800 per year for five years.

tightens visa application requirements; requires a face-to-face consular interview of most applicants for non-immigrant visas between the ages of 14 and 79.

increases criminal penalties for alien smuggling and allows deportation of any alien who received military training from a group designated as a terrorist organization.

provides new authority to pursue "lone wolf" terror suspects who are not affiliated with foreign terror groups.

authorizes funding for better technology and other federal support to improve efforts to fight money laundering and terrorist financing; requires better coordination and building on international coalitions to combat terrorist financing.

supports public diplomacy in foreign policy; supports further financial assistance of Pakistan and Afghanistan; calls for strengthening and assessing the relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia.