    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [February 6, 2004]
    [Pages 190-191]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Establishment of the Commission on the Intelligence
    Capabilities of the United States Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction
    February 6, 2004

        Good afternoon. Today, by Executive order, I am creating an
    independent Commission, chaired by Governor and former Senator Chuck
    Robb, Judge Laurence
    Silberman, to look at American
    intelligence capabilities, especially our intelligence about weapons of
    mass destruction.
        Last week, our former chief weapons inspector, David Kay, reported that Saddam Hussein's regime had weapons programs and activities in
    violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and was a
    gathering threat to the world. Dr. Kay also stated that some prewar
    intelligence assessments by America and other nations about Iraq's
    weapons stockpiles have not been confirmed. We are determined to figure
    out why. We're also determined to make sure that American intelligence
    is as accurate as possible for every challenge in the future.
        The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction poses the most
    serious of dangers to the peace of the world. Chemical, biological, and
    nuclear weapons in the hands of terrorists or terror regimes could bring
    catastrophic harm to America and to our friends. It is the policy of the
    United States Government to oppose that threat by any means necessary.
    Our efforts against proliferation begin with and depend upon accurate
    and thorough intelligence.
        The men and women of our intelligence community and intelligence
    officers who work for our friends and allies around the world are
    dedicated professionals engaged in difficult and complex work. America's
    enemies are secretive. They are ruthless, and they are resourceful. And
    in tracking and disrupting their activities, our Nation must bring to
    bear every tool and advantage at our command.
        In Iraq, America and our coalition enforced the clearly stated
    demands of the world, that a violent regime prove its own disarmament.
    In the aftermath of September the 11th, 2001, I will not take risks with
    the lives and security of the American people by assuming the good will
    of dictators.
        And now, as we move forward in our efforts to prevent the spread of
    weapons of mass destruction, we must stay ahead of constantly changing
    intelligence challenges. The stakes for our country could not be higher,
    and our standard of intelligence gathering and analysis must be equal to
    that of the challenge.
        The Commission I have appointed today will examine intelligence on
    weapons of mass destruction and related 21st century threats and issue
    specific recommendations to ensure our capabilities are strong. The
    Commission will compare what the Iraq Survey Group learns with the
    information we had prior to our Operation Iraqi Freedom. It will review
    our intelligence on weapons programs in countries such as North Korea
    and Iran. It will examine our intelligence on the threats posed by Libya
    and Afghanistan before recent changes in those countries. Members of the
    Commission will issue their report by March 31st, 2005.
        I've ordered all departments and agencies, including our
    intelligence agencies, to assist the Commission's work. The Commission
    will have full access to the findings of the Iraq Survey Group.
        In naming this Commission--these men as Cochairmen of the
    Commission, I'm also naming today Senator John McCain; Lloyd Cutler, former White
    House Counsel to Presidents Carter and
    Clinton; Rick Levin, the president of Yale University; Admiral Bill
    Studeman, the former Deputy Director of
    the Central Intelligence Agency; Judge Pat Wald, a
    former judge on the DC Court

    [[Page 191]]

    of Appeals. Those are seven members named. The Commission calls for up
    to nine members. As we vet and find additional members to fill out the
    nine, we will let you know.
        Thank you for your attention.

    Note: The President spoke at 1:32 p.m. in the James S. Brady Briefing
    Room at the White House. In his remarks, he referred to David Kay,
    former CIA Special Advisor for Strategy Regarding Iraqi Weapons of Mass
    Destruction Programs; and former President Saddam Hussein of Iraq. The
    Executive order is listed in Appendix D at the end of this volume.