Speech #1100001645

Of great importance. is the fact that the establishment of this panel will address a central commission finding that Congressional oversight of intelligence matters is dysfunctional and needs to be more centralized. This oversight panel will give Congress a much better chance to correct and avoid those major concems which were highlighted by the 9/11 Commission. Those problems included: permeable borders. inconsistency in immigration policy. limited capacities to share intelligence information. permeable aviation security. an unprepared FAA and NORAD. ineffective communication and no clear chain of command. no unity for emergency responders. and Congress and Executive Branch that was too slow in responding to threats. Madam Speaker. the creation of this select panel will allow the House to review intelligence spending requests. conduct hearings. make financing recommendations and assess how the money is spent. With this increased ability to monitor the budget as well as operations of the Intelligence community. we can better face and prepare for the security challenges confronting the United States and the intemational community as a whole.