The White House, President George W. Bush Click to print this document

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 27, 2004

Fact Sheet: President Issues New Orders to Reform Intelligence
Actions Aimed at Terrorism Prevention, Safeguarding Civil Liberties, and Further Implementing 9/11 Commission Recommendations

Executive Orders Establish Interim Powers for Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) to Perform Certain Duties of a National Intelligence Director (NID) and a National Counterterrorism Center

"My most solemn duty is to protect our country... In the three years since our country was attacked, we've taken steps to overcome new threats. We will continue to do everything in our power to defeat the terrorist enemy and to protect the American people."

-- President George W. Bush, August 2, 2004

Presidential Action

On August 2, 2004, the President directed his Administration to take swift action, consistent with existing laws, on reform initiatives that would strengthen the intelligence community and improve America's ability to find, track, and stop dangerous terrorists. These initiatives are consistent with the valuable recommendations made by the 9/11 Commission, and they build on previous actions the Administration has already taken to better protect America. As the President said on August 2, "All these reforms have a single goal: We will ensure that the people in government responsible for defending America and countering terrorism have the best possible information to make the best decisions."

The President issued a series of new, far-reaching orders which strain the limits of his authority but are essential to America's security.

Executive Order Directing the Strengthened Management of the Intelligence Community. Until an NID is created, the DCI will:

Executive Order Establishing the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC). The NCTC will:

Executive Order on Strengthening the Sharing of Terrorism Information to Protect Americans.

In this Order, the President:

Executive Order Establishing the President's Board on Safeguarding Americans' Civil Liberties.

The Board will:

The President also has signed the following Homeland Security Presidential Directives (HSPDs):

HSPD on Terrorist-Related Screening Procedures. The Directive will:

HSPD on Policy For a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors. The Directive will:

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