Bush Backs New Czar As One Of First Steps In Intelligence Revamp Acting On 9-11 Panel's Ideas Counterterrorism center, streamlining of oversight are also needed, he says.(A)

Byline: BRIAN MITCHELL

President Bush on Monday asked Congress to act on three key recommendations of the Sept. 11 commission: the creation of a national intelligence czar and counterterrorism center, and the streamlining of Capitol Hill's homeland security oversight.

"Our goal is an integrated, unified, national intelligence effort," Bush said, flanked by top national security officials in the White House Rose Garden.

"The elevation of the threat level in New York, New Jersey and Washington, D.C., is a serious reminder -- a solemn reminder -- of the threat we continue to face," he said.

Police Mobilize

Responding to what Bush called "sound intelligence" of terrorists targeting major financial institutions, police in New York closed several streets in midtown Manhattan and banned trucks from bridges and tunnels leading to Wall Street.

In Newark, police set up metal fences surrounding the Prudential Plaza building and blocked off two city streets.