Director of National Intelligence Statutory Authorities: Status and Proposals

In passing the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 P.L. 108-458 in 2004, Congress approved the most comprehensive reform of the U.S. Intelligence Community since its establishment over 50 years ago. Principal among enacted changes was the establishment of a new position of the Director of National Intelligence DNI to manage the Intelligence Community. Some observers have questioned whether the statute gives the DNI sufficient authority to implement the 2004 intelligence reforms enacted by Congress. Others believe that the DNI s existing authorities are substantially stronger than those of the former Director of Central Intelligence CIA, but that the DNI must more effectively assert those authorities. While acknowledging his strengthened authorities under the 2004 Act, and conceding that he had not issued certain guidance to the Intelligence Community clarifying those authorities, DNI Michael McConnell asked Congress to further enhance his authority new authority which he says he needs if he is to effectively lead the Community. The Senate Intelligence Committee responded to the DNI s request by approving an FY2008 Intelligence Authorization Bill S. 1538 S.Rept. 110-75 that contains several new DNI authorities, including the authority to conduct accountability reviews of significant Intelligence Community failures and deficiencies address information sharing deficiencies and, approve interagency financing of national intelligence centers.