(Washington D.C.) Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, strengthening our nation's intelligence agencies was quickly identified as a top national security priority.  A status report issued today by the Oversight Subcommittee of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence shows mixed success in the effort thus far.

Congressman Mac Thornberry (TX-13) chairs the Oversight Subcommittee. A key assignment of the Subcommittee is overseeing implementation of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorist Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA) - legislation approved by Congress that called for a wide variety of intelligence reforms.

The Subcommittee report gauges progress in accomplishing the goals of the Act in key areas, such as:

• Leadership of the Intelligence Community
• Improving Analysis
• Information Sharing
• Civil Liberties
• Personnel, Training, Culture and Security Clearances

Thornberry said the report shows important advancements have been made, but there are also areas of concerns, especially what appears to be "a lack of urgency toward getting the job of reform done."

"We cannot forget that we are at war with an enemy that is determined to destroy us," said Thornberry.  "The best way to protect our nation from future terrorist attacks is to prevent them in the first place. That requires getting the strongest intelligence operations possible in place now."

Thornberry said intelligence agencies still need to get better at sharing information with each other. He also said more headway is needed in human intelligence gathering.

On the positive side, he said there is improvement in areas such as bolstering the FBI's performance as an intelligence agency and in getting better intelligence reports to the President.

The Subcommittee's report follows months of work including hearings, briefings, and meetings in Washington D.C. and around the world. The Subcommittee will continue monitoring and working with the Intelligence Community to help fortify intelligence operations.

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 Note to Media:  To view the Subcommittee report, click here .