Pentagon's objections block overhaul of U.S. intelligence
The irresistible force of post-Sept. 11 legislation to restructure the nation’s intelligence system has run into the immovable object of opposition from the Pentagon.The result is that for now, at least, a bill backed by President Bush, Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill, bereaved relatives of 9/11 victims and the influential 9/11 Commission is stuck in limbo. The impasse testifies to the political influence of the military, particularly in wartime, and the difficulty of passing legislation that requires powerful committee leaders to give up power. Supporters of the legislation say the overhaul will be in trouble if a bill isn’t passed in a post-election “lame duck” session scheduled for Nov. 16. Failing that, the new Congress would have to start over on the bill next year. Full Story