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ManagementAdministration and Management

Intelligence Issues for Congress

Authors: Jr Best Richard A.; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
Abstract:
To address the challenges facing the U.S. Intelligence Community in the 21st Century, congressional and executive branch initiatives have sought to improve coordination among the different agencies and to encourage better analysis. In December 2004, the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (P.L. 108-458) was signed, providing for a Director of National Intelligence (DNI) with substantial authorities to manage the national intelligence effort. The legislation calls for a separate Director of the CIA. Making cooperation effective presents substantial leadership and managerial challenges. The needs of intelligence "consumers" -- ranging from the White House to cabinet agencies to military commanders -- must all be met, using the same systems and personnel. Breaking down agency "stovepipes" that keep information from consumers who legitimately need it continues to be a challenge for senior policy makers and Congress. The new DNI will have substantial statutory authority to address these issues, but the organizational relationships will remain complex, especially for Defense Department agencies. International terrorism, a major threat facing the United States in the 21st century, presents a difficult analytical challenge. Techniques for acquiring and analyzing information on small groups of plotters differ significantly from those used to evaluate the military capabilities of other countries. U.S. intelligence efforts are complicated by unfilled requirements for foreign language expertise. Intelligence on Iraqi weapons of mass destruction was inaccurate and Members have criticized the performance of the Intelligence Community in other instances. Improved analysis, while difficult to mandate, remains a key goal. Intelligence support to military operations continues to be a major responsibility of intelligence agencies. Counterterrorism requires the close coordination of intelligence and law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security.

Description: Issue brief
Pages: 20
Report Date: 26 MAY 2006
Report Number: A012474

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Keywords relating to this report:
*COOPERATION
*COUNTERTERRORISM
*FEDERAL BUDGETS
*INTEGRATION
*INTELLIGENCE
*ORGANIZATIONAL REALIGNMENT
*UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
ANALYSTS
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
HOMELAND SECURITY
IRAQI WAR
LAW ENFORCEMENT
LEGISLATION
MASS DESTRUCTION WEAPONS
MILITARY OPERATIONS
MISSIONS
NATIONAL SECURITY
PARAMILITARY FORCES
QUALITY
SKILLS
SURVEILLANCE
THREATS
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