[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 37 (Monday, September 13, 2004)]
[Page 1895]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks Prior to a Meeting With Congressional Leaders

September 8, 2004

Intelligence Reform

    I want to thank the Members who are here. Thank--thank you all for 
coming today. We are going to discuss intelligence reform. I will be 
submitting a plan to the Congress that strengthens intelligence reform--
strengthens the intelligence services. We believe that there ought to be 
a National Intelligence Director who has full budgetary authority. We'll 
talk to Members of Congress about how to implement that. I look forward 
to working with the Members to get a bill to my desk as quickly as 
possible.
    It's important we get our intelligence gathering correct. After all, 
we're still at war. We've got to find the enemy before they hurt us. 
We've got to do everything we can to protect the homeland. We're still 
on the offense here in this country. We're chasing down these killers 
overseas so we don't have to face them here at home. We're making good 
progress.
    Ultimately, we will prevail because liberty changes countries, and 
liberty changes the habits of people. Liberty promotes peace. And that's 
why we appreciate the sacrifice of the men and women who wear the 
uniform. They're serving a great cause. We mourn every loss of life. 
We'll honor their memories by completing the mission.
    Thank you all for coming.

Note: The President spoke at 9:15 a.m. in the Cabinet Room at the White 
House. A tape was not available for verification of the content of these 
remarks.