On February 2, President Bush announced he would create a commission of investigation into the prewar intelligence on Iraqís proscribed weapons programs. The White House is expected to choose all nine commissioners for the panel and announce its formal establishment soon. The Executive Branchís commission will look into the quality of intelligence, but not the handling or use of it by Administration officials.

The Presidentís decision to establish an investigation commission marks an important first step in addressing widespread public concern about prewar intelligence and the Administrationís case for war. However, the Executive Branchís commission is no substitute for a congressionally mandated, bipartisan, and truly independent commission to investigate the full scope of the quality and use of intelligence, as called for in legislation already introduced in Congress (HR 2625 and S 1946).

To restore public trust, rebuild U.S. credibility abroad, and ensure government accountability on critical issues of war and peace, a congressionally mandated and truly independent investigation into the Administrationís use of the intelligence in making the case for war is needed.

ACTION: Please contact your senators. Ask your senators to cosponsor S 1946, legislation that would create a truly independent and bipartisan commission to investigate not only the quality of prewar intelligence, but also the Administrationís use of intelligence in making the case for war. Urge your senators to tell the White House its plans for an investigation are no substitute for a congressionally mandated, truly independent commission.

Read about this bill.