Washington, DC – Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) today thanked the Chair and Vice Chair of the 9/11 Commission for their support of the Collins-Lieberman intelligence reform proposal. Thomas Kean and Lee Hamilton have called the proposal a “significant breakthrough.”
“We thank Governor Kean and Congressman Hamilton for their support as we move forward with the important task of reforming our nation’s intelligence agencies, in order to make our country safer from terrorist attacks. We also thank the 9/11 Commissioners for their hard work in creating a foundation for reform on which we could build,” said Collins and Lieberman in a joint statement.
The Senators added, “Our legislation builds on the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission report, which has been an invaluable blueprint for guiding our work. Our legislation transforms the nation’s intelligence system from an institution designed to fight the Cold War into a stronger, more unified program with the speed, flexibility, creativity, and strength to meet the threats of terrorism today and into the future.”
The Chair and Vice Chair of the 9/11 Commission, Thomas Kean and Lee Hamilton, late last night released the following statement:
“We want to express our deep appreciation to Senators Susan Collins and Joseph Lieberman for the comprehensive legislation they proposed today. The outline of the bill they have circulated represents a significant breakthroughTheir bill appears to incorporate some of the most important structural recommendations contained in our report.
“We consider this legislation an important first step in moving our nation in a direction that will greatly increase the safety of the American peopleWe look forward to reviewing Senator Collins and Senator Lieberman’s legislation in its entirety. We will continue to work with them and their colleagues as this legislation moves forward.”