Number: RL32551
Title: 9/11 Commission Recommendations: The Senate Confirmation Process for Presidential Nominees
Authors: Betsy Palmer, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: On July 22, 2004, the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, also known as the 9/11 Commission, issued its final report, detailing the events up to and including the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. The commission made 41 recommendations to Congress and the President on ways to prevent future catastrophic assaults. As a part of its recommendations concerning Unity of Effort in the Congress, the 9/11 Commission included a series of proposals designed to improve the presidential appointments process as it relates to the top national security officials during presidential transitions. This short proposal appears to require major changes in the way the Senate conducts its part of the process. The 9/11 Commissions report did not say how to implement or enforce their recommendation. This report addresses these questions and also discusses the rationale for and implementation of the recommendation.
Pages: 28
Date: March 23, 2005