[Daryn Kagan, Cnn Anchor:] We turn now to the concern about international terrorism. It is the focus of a new report being released today in Washington. Our Kate Snow joins us now from Capitol Hill. She has more on this story. Kate, good morning.
[Kate Snow, Cnn Correspondent:] Good morning, Daryn. This report outlines what the Commission on Terrorism sees as an increasing threat from terrorist activity and terrorists, they say, bent on doing more harm and causing many casualties. They talk about the need to do more about that and how the federal government can do more. The panel suggests that the CIA needs to have more leeway in recruiting sources that may have criminal or terrorist backgrounds themselves. They also talk about the possibility of using the U.S. military in a role in a lead role responding to terrorist activities. Also suggested by this panel, which was appointed by the Congress six months ago to look at this, that the FBI should sift through evidence at crime scenes and share terrorist information with other intelligence agencies. Also, that Congress should pass stricter laws controlling components that would be used, or could be used, in making biological weapons, and that the State Department should list states who don't fully cooperate in the fight against terrorist. Also, another recommendation coming from the panel, slightly unusual recommendation, that perhaps international students studying in this country should be kept an eye on.
[Paul Bremer, Natl. Commission On Terrorism:] The CIA and the FBI have become a bit overcautious in their approach to collecting intelligence, and we think that has to change.
[Snow:] One of those convicted in the World Trade Center bombing had entered the United States to study engineering at Wichita State University. But some say tracking international students is inappropriate.
[Hussein Ibish, American-arab Anti-discrimination Committee:] It identifies people as a threat based on their national origin and their legitimate academic pursuits. What this does is it stigmatizes people because of lawful First Amendment-protected academic or even political activity, none of which ought to be the concern of law enforcement in the United States.
[Snow:] The FBI says it's always looking for improved ways to combat terrorism and will look seriously at the commission's report. But the bureau will not target specific groups.
[Eric Holder, Deputy Attorney General:] I think we certainly want the resources so that we can monitor whoever is in this country and who poses a threat to this nation. I wouldn't necessarily single out students as a group we need to particularly be concerned about.
[Snow:] Now, the report certainly going to raise a lot of discussion here on Capitol Hill and in Washington. It's taken up today by Congress. Congress back in session and could deal with it in terms of hearing as early as this week. Kate Snow, CNN, live, Capitol Hill.
[Kagan:] Kate, thank you.