The National Intelligence Director needs the authority to do the job we are asking him to do. That means power over the intelligence budget. And to be effective, to be allowed to do his or her job, they must have authority over the budget.

In this quote, Leonard Boswell emphasizes the need for the National Intelligence Director (NID) to have the authority required to perform their duties effectively. Boswell argues that the NID's ability to oversee and manage the intelligence budget is crucial for making informed decisions and ensuring that the intelligence community operates efficiently. Without control over financial resources, the NID would be limited in their ability to prioritize operations and respond to emerging threats.

The quote reflects the importance of centralized authority in managing the complex and vast intelligence operations of the United States. The NID, by having authority over the budget, would be able to allocate funds based on strategic priorities, ensuring that intelligence agencies are adequately equipped to handle national security concerns. This type of power is necessary for the NID to oversee and implement policy decisions effectively.

This recommendation stems from the findings of the 9/11 Commission, which identified issues in intelligence coordination before the September 11 attacks. The Commission called for reforms to improve oversight and management of intelligence resources, and Boswell’s statement aligns with the idea that a unified and empowered National Intelligence Director would be crucial in preventing future intelligence failures.

The origin of this quote is tied to broader discussions about intelligence reform following the 9/11 attacks. By empowering the NID with authority over the budget, Boswell advocates for a more cohesive and effective intelligence structure that can better respond to national security challenges.