"Even after the first attack on the World Trade Center in 1993, bureaucrats at FBI headquarters in Washington acted like they knew better than agents in the field. Headquarters handled the issues of foreign terrorism by the seat of their pants, always looking backwards instead of seriously thinking about attacks on our soil," Grassley said. "At the same time, Congress kept pouring more money into the FBI to use against terrorism and did little if anything to make sure it was used in an effective way. Even documented pledges by FBI bureaucrats to write threat assessments were never kept, and no one was held accountable."
An outspoken FBI watchdog, Grassley has said sustained congressional oversight is a key component of bringing about an overhaul at the FBI following the terrorist attacks of September 11.
"Congress needs to do a much better job overseeing the FBI's transformation from an agency focused on prosecution to one that works to prevent terrorist acts," he said. "Director Mueller has clearly stated that he wants to turn the FBI around. This new report from the inspector general makes it very clear that he's going to need new, forward-thinking leaders at the FBI to make this happen."
The report ? titled A Review of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Counterterrorism Program: Threat Assessment, Strategic Planning, and Resources Management ? is classified at the secret level. A redacted and unclassified summary can be found at http://www.usdoj.gov/oig/audit/0238/exec.htm.
Grassley is a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He has conducted extensive oversight of the FBI since 1996, and prompted numerous changes and reform efforts.