“As important as the Intelligence Reform bill was, it will mean little if the provisions are not implemented and deadlines are not met,” said Maloney. “Already, a number of deadlines laid out in the bill have been missed, and that is worrisome. The president took an important step toward making the NCTC fully operational last week by nominating its first director, but we still need to closely monitor the steps that remain. I thank Chairman Hoekstra and Ranking Member Harman for their support and for their leadership.”

“Every day without a confirmed permanent director and a functioning NCTC puts America at risk and at a disadvantage in preventing additional terrorist attacks,” Shays said. “We need to be better prepared to prevent future acts of terrorism and the functioning of the NCTC is a crucial part of that mission.”

Last week, a day after the Maloney-Shays amendment was submitted, President Bush nominated Admiral John Redd to be the NCTC’s first director. Admiral Redd must still be confirmed by the Senate.

Background:
One of the most important aspects of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (PL108-458) was the creation of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC). The NCTC was created to be the central organization for analyzing and integrating all foreign and domestic intelligence on terrorism. It also is to conduct "strategic operational planning" for counterterrorism operations at home and abroad "integrating all elements of national power." The deadline for the NCTC to be fully implemented and operational was June 17, 2005 (last Friday).

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