Good morning. I would like to thank our distinguished witnesses and commend Chairman Lieberman for his leadership and guidance.
It is appropriate after hearing from Governor Ridge and Senators Hart and Rudman last week, that we discuss how the proposed Department of Homeland Security fits into our nation's intelligence structure. September 11th exposed the strengths and weaknesses of our national security systems.
In hindsight, we must strengthen existing analytical and information sharing structures and avoid duplication at the expense of other national security requirements.
We are facing the most extensive government reorganization in over fifty years. Yet, the administration's proposal fails to articulate a long-term vision to guide this new department. I hope the proposal is not meant to replace the homeland security strategy that Governor Ridge is expected to release next month.
The Hart-Rudman Commission found that the United States lacks systems to facilitate timely intelligence sharing. We must ensure full and active coordination between the intelligence community and this proposed department. Currently, representatives from our intelligence community serve in the Director of Central Intelligence's Counter Terrorism Center. We should ask whether strengthening the CTC -- and establishing liaisons between the new department and the CTC -- would ensure access to timely information.
The administration's proposed department would analyze both raw data and finished reports from many different agencies. However, the linkage of these previously separate functions could take years to develop and might create unintended vulnerabilities.
State and local authorities in Hawaii and throughout the nation depend on the federal government to collect, analyze, and disseminate information that is timely and accurate. I am concerned that the President's proposal does not include mechanisms for intelligence sharing between the department and other federal agencies and with state and local authorities.
It is critical to establish and promote standards for intelligence sharing and guarantee that the information is reliable and credible.
Regardless of how we reorganize the federal government, we cannot meet our intelligence obligations unless we maximize the talents of those charged with security and provide sufficient resources to carry out new homeland security missions.
As an example, we must provide training to improve foreign language skills of our present federal workers and invest in the next generation of employees to ensure a dedicated and capable workforce that will contribute to our national security. We cannot allow the federal government to become the employer of last resort.
Learning from September 11th, let's move forward to improve existing structures, coordinate information sharing, and ensure cooperation among agencies. I see these actions as opportunities -- not challenges -- in strengthening our nation's security.
Mr. Chairman, I join you in thanking our witnesses for being with us this morning.
