In doing so, the president praised Woolsey's many accomplishments in advancing the transformation of U.S. intelligence in the aftermath of the Cold War. Jim Woolsey has been a staunch advocate of maintaining an intelligence capability that is second to none. He has taken initiatives to streamline and improve costly collection systems, improve the quality of both analysis and intelligence and correct security and management lapses in the critical area of counterintelligence. Jim Woolsey deserves the gratitude of all Americans for his service to our country. The president reiterated the importance that intelligence plays in protecting American interests around the world.
Intelligence is a vital element of our nation's power and influence.
The men and women of U.S. intelligence must know how grateful I am for their 1edicated and often unheralded service. I remain committed to ensuring that they have the support, resources and leadership needed to continue their outstanding service to their country. I said that I was available to serve as long as until the end of January, if the president wishes, in order to assist in a transition. Serving as DCI has been a privilege and an honor and I remain grateful to President Clinton for the opportunity to be part of his administration. In making the decision to return to the private sector, however, my family figures prominently.