FBI, CIA reform delayed by bid for new department

Administration and congressional sources said policymakers would delay reorganization efforts of the FBI and CIA until they establish a new Homeland Security Department, The Washington Post reported Tuesday.

Lawmakers say they will not consider intelligence reorganization until after work on the new department is completed. The move underscores increasing recognition by lawmakers that reorganization efforts will be massive.

Plans for the new Homeland Security Department may include an independent intelligence-gathering system, which could provide oversight or a check and balance against the CIA and FBI intelligence operations.

Some FBI officials have expressed opposition to intelligence functions such as counterterrorism being transferred to the agency. Still, Sen. Bob Graham, D-Fla., chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, has said the House and Senate intelligence committees will study the need for a different domestic intelligence gatherer.