Statement by U.S. Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin on the 9/11 Commission Report

"The 9/11 Commission report with its unanimous recommendations has laid out a mandate to Congress and the Administration for important changes in the way our nation gathers and utilizes intelligence information.

"The Commission report makes clear that the fragmentation of our intelligence systems lead to the failure to prevent the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

"It also makes clear that reforms to our intelligence gathering requires greater coordination, congressional oversight and funding. I am committed to making each of these critical reforms a priority; they are essential to our nation’s homeland security.

"Intelligence is the first line of defense in the War on Terror, and we must do better. As a member of the Select Committee on Homeland Security, I will be working to ensure that intelligence is fully integrated into our homeland security efforts."

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