Senators to propose changes to intelligence overhaul law

Sens. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., and Ben Nelson, D-Neb., will introduce legislation this week to give the national intelligence director one point of contact -- a joint military command -- to handle all communication with the eight defense intelligence agencies the national director will oversee, the Associated Press reported.

The intelligence package that passed last year gives the director the authority to manage national foreign intelligence programs, but leaves it to the Pentagon to take the lead on tactical intelligence used for military operations.

Chambliss and Nelson are proposing a joint military command that would be led by a four-star officer who would be the contact for the national intelligence director. That commander would also serve as the chief adviser to the Defense secretary and chairman of the Joint Chiefs on all intelligence issues. If enacted, it would be the first time there would be a unified command for military intelligence.

"I just don't think the reform package that we put together made all of the reforms necessary," Chambliss said.

The intelligence community is also reviewing the intelligence legislation for possible changes to propose, an intelligence official said Monday, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The Senate plans to hold next month a confirmation hearing for the first-ever National Intelligence director-nominee, John Negroponte, the ambassador to Iraq.