December 7, 2004 — Today U.S. Representative Trent Franks voted in favor of the Conference Report for the National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004, which passed the House by a vote of 336-75.
 
“Keeping this nation safe should be the first priority of each and every Member of Congress,” Franks said.  “If we are unsuccessful in the critical mission of discovering and neutralizing threats before they become tragedies, we fail in the federal government’s primary and overarching purpose and duty which is to protect our citizens.”

The National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004:
 
• Creates a National Intelligence Director, separate from the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, with the authority and responsibility to oversee the nation’s intelligence agencies and ensure maximum coordination across the intelligence community.
• Doubles the current number of border patrol officers, triples the number of immigration enforcement agents and increases the number of detention beds for immigration violators by 40,000 over five years.
• Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to create a comprehensive plan for surveillance of the southwest border of the United States by remotely piloted aircraft
• Allows states to waive some federal driver’s license issuance and document standards if they “infringe on a state’s power to set criteria concerning what categories of individuals are eligible to obtain a drivers license or personal identification card from that state.”
 
“It is my belief that this Congress is absolutely committed to the safety and security of the citizens of this great nation.  This vital legislation, while not perfect, is a good step forward in combating terrorism by modernizing our intelligence-gathering agencies and enhancing their ability to coordinate efforts.  The legislation strengthens our borders and enhances the capability of local law enforcement officials.”