On the other hand, if the apparent winner, Mr. Bush, is ultimately elected, he and his Administration will have been substantially disadvantaged, undoubtedly with adverse consequences to our nation. I would ask this Administration to consider whether it is reasonable to give Governor Bush national security briefings but not allow the beginning of FBI background checks on those who would be his national security advisors. The necessary vetting normally takes up to four months. Those with direct experience in this process report that the typical FBI security clearance takes three months to complete. Not only will this hamstring the new administration in its new duties, it puts at risk the very security that such background investigations are designed to protect.
Facilities are in place now for use by the presidential transition.
The taxpayers are paying for office space and equipment that is going unused. The transition payroll is ready for the transition staff. As we both know, this is not a matter of handing over dollar bills to the incoming team. To fail to put these facilities to use is a waste of taxpayer dollars. I therefore call on you to respond positively to Secretary Cheney's request that you authorize his access to the transition facilities, services and briefings provided for in the Presidential Transition Act.