9/11 Commission Recommendations: New Structures and Organization

Publication Date: September 2004

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Government

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Abstract:

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the structures and organization of the federal government have been modified, changed, and adjusted in various ways with a view to better achieving domestic security. Among the more visible entities to have been established in this regard are the Office of Homeland Security, the Department of Homeland Security, and two versions of the Homeland Security Council. The final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission), issued on July 22, 2004, held out the possibility of further developments with several recommendations for new entities and the suggested merger of the functions of the current Homeland Security Council into those of the National Security Council. These proposals, offered to address perceived shortcomings concerning civil liberties protection, intelligence development, intelligence community management, and intelligence expertise, are set out in this report, along with some assessment of their implications, and discussion of efforts to implement them. A chronology of developments regarding the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, including the progress of implementing legislation, is provided at the end of this report, which will be updated as events warrant.