CRAWFORD, Tex., July 28 -- President Bush is preparing executive orders and a speech detailing his initial plans for revamping the nation's intelligence services, administration officials said Wednesday. He is likely to begin his announcements within days, the officials said.
Bush is working at his ranch during the Democratic National Convention. He conferred by secure videoconference with his national security team for the second time this week to work on a response to the recommendations delivered July 22 by the commission investigating the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Later, several members of his national security team met at the White House to discuss the proposed reforms.
Bush is facing daily pressure to act from Sen. John F. Kerry, his Democratic opponent. Kerry gave his blanket endorsement to the commission's proposals within 48 hours and has called for the panel to remain in business for 18 more months to monitor the report's implementation.
Bush's aides have not endorsed any extension and have signaled a more deliberative approach to the recommendations on restructuring 15 intelligence agencies. White House deputy press secretary Trent Duffy told reporters Wednesday that Bush "will waste no time" if he can act to make the nation safer but that his staff is continuing to analyze the report.
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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A22288-2004Jul28.html