Introduction
In the US, Congress has for a long time been empowered to handle matters on security on a very highly ranked platform. This can be attributed to the sensitive nature of the whole issue of security given that the country has faced several threats of attacks where some have been successful while others were managed before they could get out of hand. For example, one of the most devastating attacks that ever took place on the American soil was the September 11th 2001 attack that left dozens dead and others maimed. Out of such experiences and others, American leaders have always maintained security as a top priority due to the realization of the importance of safeguarding human life as a fundamental right. Although various organs of government have the capability to run issues such as security, it has been maintained as a role of congress due to various reasons.
Security is a key priority to governments across the world and this can be attributed to the maintenance of democracy where it is observed that every human being has a right to live and there should be unwarranted reason for an individual to lose their life. It is the mandate of the government therefore to ensure that all citizens are protected against any possible threats that may pose risks to the well-being of any society and especially due to attacks from enemies. It can be noted that in most instances of attacks from within or without any country, most of these attacks are planned by groups or individuals who have something against the government or a particular person in the government. Citing the example of the 2001 attacks in New York, it is evident that the group or individual behind the attacks had an issue with the American government or a particular individual in the government. Although it may not be ideal to speculate on the individuals or reasons for the attacks, it is common knowledge that the attack was intended to intimidate the sovereignty of America and its people.
It is necessary to note, therefore, that as an able state, America had to take all possible measures to bring to book all those that were involved in this attack as well as eliminate the possibility of this kind of attack ever befalling the American people. Although many committees and agencies may be established to deal with matters touching on security and intelligence, it is necessary to have a single body that handles the issue of security given that this is a sensitive aspect of the day to day administration. It is clear that intelligence should be handled on a more secured platform to avoid disclosing too much information to everyone which in turn might compromise the information that may be gathered by the various teams that are set to probe into cases of insecurity and the likely means through which crime may be combated.
Congress should therefore forge the way in the carving of laws that are reliable and convenient in the handling of security issues starting with the most basic steps that should include prevention. By this, the highest ranked priorities should be on the safeguarding of borders and all others channels through which the country may face intimidation by way of attacks from enemies while still designing the most appropriate means of handling disputes whenever they arise as well as the steps that should be taken incase such disputes may get out of control and prove harmful to the citizens of the country. It would also be necessary for congress to weigh on the most appropriate means of handling these intelligence issues since it is evident some confrontations between countries have turned out to be the most fatal and deadly in the world where countries such as Somalia in Africa may be given as examples of countries where the failure of an intelligence system led to the fighting that lasted nearly 20 years almost wiping out the entire population.
The congress should have the sole mandate of formulating policies that should be implemented in the maintenance of a peaceful and secure country bearing in mind that it is the interests of the people that are being protected and this should also be reflected in the handling of any resources that are allocated to such a taskforce. It may be noted that for the congress to succeed in such steps that are aimed at fostering security and peace within a country, various resources are invested by the people through the government and these may include funds that are collected through taxes and other inputs. It is the responsibility of the congress therefore to ensure that the citizens get the best returns for their input and this can only be achieved by ensuring that there are clear laws that are put in place to ensure that there is a sound intelligence system within the country and thereafter ensure that all systems are fully functional to enable provide security to the people. The formulation and implementation of these laws would require cooperation with the executive government so as to have a sound and effective backing to help in the implementation of all the laws that may be deemed vital to the provision of security to the country.
Bibliography
Johnson, Loch K. 2007. Strategic intelligence. Westport, Conn: Praeger Security International.
Russell, Richard L. 2007. Sharpening strategic intelligence: why the CIA gets it wrong, and what needs to be done to get it right. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Shulsky, Abram N., and Gary James Schmitt. 2002. Silent warfare: understanding the world of intelligence. Washington, D.C.: Brassey's, Inc.
