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The 9/11 Commission report concluded, "Congressional oversight for intelligence -- and counterterrorism -- is now dysfunctional.” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) announced a plan yesterday to heighten congressional oversight of intelligence, answering complaints by national security specialists and lawmakers in both parties that Congress has been lax in monitoring the highly secretive community.
Pelosi, a California Democrat set to become speaker next month, said she will appoint a new intelligence oversight panel within the House Appropriations Committee that will examine the intelligence budget, monitor funds spent by intelligence agencies, and prepare the classified document that explains their expenses.
"I know it will make the American people safer," Pelosi said. The panel would for the first time break down the barriers between the authorization side of the intelligence budget -- the overall plan for collecting sensitive information -- and the appropriations side, which determines how much money should go to each program.
Said Commissioner Slade Gordon (R), "I think it's a significant step forward. It means there will be one group of members who will be primarily responsible for the intelligence budget. They will therefore pay attention to it and provide a greater degree of oversight." Commissioner Tim Roemer (D) also agreed,saying, "I give the speaker-elect points on creativity and strong leadership. The Senate needs to follow the House and clean up its backyard."
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