Congressman Cole Votes for Intelligence Reform in 9/11 Commission Implementation Act

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole voted for legislation that will make extensive changes to our current intelligence operations to help keep our country safe and secure. The 9/11 Commission Implementation Act conference report (S. 2845) passed in the House today.

"The nation's security is Congress's number one priority. This legislation proves that we are serious about legitimate and effective reforms that will improve our national intelligence operations and our domestic security," Congressman Cole said.

S. 2845 creates a new Director of National Intelligence, establishes a strong counter terrorism network and eases communication between different government branches and agencies. The Director of National Intelligence will coordinate the use of resources across the intelligence community, while ensuring the adequate and timely flow of intelligence to our troops. S. 2845 will also preserve the existing statutory chain of command and leave the day-to-day operations and support for our soldiers with the Department of Defense.

"I am particularly pleased that military intelligence assets were left under control of the commanders in the battlefield. This precaution will help protect our troops on the front lines," Congressman Cole said.

This legislation doubles the current number of border patrol officers to 10,000 over the next five years and provides 40,000 new detention beds to prevent potential terrorists from being released onto the streets.

"We still have a ways to go in reforming our security operations, specifically in border security and terrorist travel protection measures," Congressman Cole said. "We will continue to work in the 109th Congress to make even greater improvements to our intelligence and take even further precautions to protect America's borders."

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