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White House Order Ramps Up Spy Boss Powers

Historic overhaul signed by prez

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 31, 2008 5:36 AM CDT
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(Newser) – A sweeping overhaul of spy powers will give the director of national intelligence broad new authority, reports the Wall Street Journal. Mike McConnell will be able to command information-sharing between agencies, hire and fire agency heads, and make major purchase decisions under a new executive order signed yesterday by President Bush and to be announced today, say officials briefed on the changes.

The overhaul, in the works for a year, is said to have triggered intense turf battles among America's 16 intelligence agencies. The new rules put the director, a position created in 2004, firmly in charge and make it more difficult for agencies to resist his directives. Some lawmakers were frustrated about being kept out of the loop. "They did not consult Congress at all," complained one leigslator.

President Bush, accompanied by the Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell, left, speaks in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Thursday, July 10,2008.
President Bush, accompanied by the Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell, left, speaks in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Thursday, July 10,2008.   (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell testifies earlier this year before the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on current and future worldwide threats.
Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell testifies earlier this year before the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on current and future worldwide threats.   (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
National Intelligence Director Michael McConnell testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007.
National Intelligence Director Michael McConnell testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007.   (AP Photo/Dennis Cook)
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