Democrats Reject Key 9/11 Panel Suggestion

Neither Party Has an Appetite for Overhauling Congressional Oversight of Intelligence

By Jonathan Weisman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, November 30, 2006; A07

Washingtonpost.com

"It was a solemn pledge, repeated by Democratic leaders and candidates over and over: If elected to the majority in Congress, Democrats would implement all of the recommendations of the bipartisan commission that examined the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001."

"But with control of Congress now secured, Democratic leaders have decided for now against implementing the one measure that would affect them most directly: a wholesale reorganization of Congress to improve oversight and funding of the nation's intelligence agencies. Instead, Democratic leaders may create a panel to look at the issue and produce recommendations, according to congressional aides and lawmakers.

Because plans for implementing the commission's recommendations are still fluid, Democratic officials would not speak for the record. But aides on the House and Senate appropriations, armed services and intelligence committees confirmed this week that a reorganization of Congress would not be part of the package of homeland-security changes up for passage in the "first 100 hours" of the Democratic Congress."

So , not only has Pelosi failed to get her first two commitee appointments , but the Democrats are unable to live up to other promises to their voters . They got plenty of votes by promising to overhaul Congress and put integrity back in vogue , but seem unwilling to live up to the promise that was one of their key points ; implementing the 911 Commission reccomendations . This seems to be a direct result of Pelosi's two failed appointments , Murtha and Hastings .

Plans are not complete, but the incoming Democratic majority is likely to expand efforts to stop the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons; ensure the interoperability of communications equipment so first responders can communicate more effectively; develop a comprehensive screening system for air cargo; and establish a civil-liberties board to protect the public against intelligence agencies expanding their reach. These are not new and have been worked on for quite some time by both Republicans and Democrats .
SO , nothing new so far from the ones who were going to "remake" the image of Congress .