Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we will implement intelligence reform before the close of the 108th Congress and rise in support of this bill. 

After 9/11, we approached fighting the global war on terrorism as we had the Cold War.  But it became clear that we needed to adapt our intelligence community, law enforcement agencies and military to new global threats.  The 9/11 Commission gave us a blueprint for that mission, and this legislation will help us implement their vision.  One of the major recommendations reflected in this bill is the creation of a strong national intelligence director, who will coordinate the activities of our various intelligence agencies.  Cooperation among agencies and departments will be critical, and this measure shifts the mentality of our intelligence community from “need to know” to “need to share.” 

The conference report also makes significant improvements in the realm of homeland security, including enhanced border patrol efforts, implementation of a comprehensive transportation security plan, improved passenger and baggage screening programs, and initiatives to protect commercial aircraft from unconventional threats such as shoulder-fired missiles. 

It also recognizes the need for the U.S. to increase its interaction with and understanding of the Muslim world.  As the 9/11 Commission so eloquently put it: “We need to defend our ideals abroad vigorously.  If the U.S. does not act aggressively to define itself in the Islamic world, the extremists will gladly do the job for us.”  By establishing new cultural exchange programs and enhancing diplomatic efforts, we can work cooperatively with Muslim nations to address mutual problems and demonstrate a free and democratic alternative to extremist ideology.

One noteworthy section of the conference report addresses the need for interoperable communications systems among first responders.  As a member of the Select Committee on Homeland Security, I have worked closely with law enforcement officers in Rhode Island and throughout the nation, and they have all emphasized the importance of being able to communicate with each other in the event of an emergency.  The measure also provides new authority for law enforcement agents to combat terrorism, while avoiding some of the controversial provisions included in earlier drafts, particularly with regard to immigration.  We need to have a national discussion on immigration reform, and Congress should address such issues in that context instead of slipping divisive language into an unrelated measure.

Finally, as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am pleased that this bill strikes a careful balance between creating a strong national intelligence director and preserving the ability of our men and women in uniform to gain access to the intelligence needed to be successful on the battlefield. 

I thank all my colleagues for working in a bipartisan fashion to craft a landmark measure that will make America safer, and urge support of this legislation.