Dreier Applauds House Passage of Counter Terrorism Bill

October 5, 2001

WASHINGTON - Calling our nation’s fight against terrorism “vital to the future of our democracy,” Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas) voted today to approve legislation authorizing funding the federal agencies that deal with intelligence and counter-terrorism. The Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002, or H.R. 2883 was approved in the House by a voice vote.

“As we begin the effort to root out terrorism and defeat it, we need to be sure our intelligence agencies have what they need to win the fight,” said Dreier, who chairs the House Rules Committee. “This legislation beefs up our intelligence efforts here at home and abroad. It also deals with the long term needs the intelligence community will face in the coming months and years. As President Bush has said, this campaign against terror will take some time, but it’s a campaign we must win.”

The Intelligence Authorization Act of 2001 authorizes funding for the twelve federal agencies that gather intelligence and fight terrorism including the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In the wake of the attacks on September 11th, these agencies and others face a campaign unlike any other in our history. Dreier noted that the changing nature of the challenges demand new and improved resources. “This war will not be won with a military effort alone,” he said. “It will be a multi-faceted effort to eradicate the network of terror once and for all.”

Dreier also recognized the important leadership of Representative Porter Goss (R-FL), Chairman of the House Select Committee on Intelligence and Vice-Chairman of the House Rules Committee. “Porter Goss has demonstrated tremendous leadership on these critical issues throughout his time in Congress. His knowledge and expertise have been a great comfort to many members during the difficult times we have recently faced. I commend him for his excellent work on this important bill."