I want to thank the Commission for this important, independent review of the National Reconnaissance Office. The Commission has many distinguished members who have devoted an enormous amount of time to this effort. I appreciate their hard work and valuable insights. In particular, I want to thank the Co-Chairmen – Senator Bob Kerrey and Representative Porter Goss – for their dedication to this review as well as their outstanding contributions to the nation’s security.

The Commission’s recommendations reflect the importance of the National Reconnaissance Office to US security over the past 40 years. I am encouraged that the Commission finds that the NRO "…must remain a strong, separate activity, with a focus on innovation, within the Intelligence Community and the Department of Defense." The nation needs to know that the agencies of the Intelligence Community, such as the NRO which must conduct many of its activities in secret, are important and are accountable to the type of rigorous, independent review that this Commission has completed.

I am requesting that Keith Hall, Director of the NRO, report back to me within 30 days on the Commission’s recommendations. I will ensure that the Commission’s recommendations are taken fully into consideration.