One of the aspects that makes the 2008-2009 transition such
a well thought out one is the groundwork laid by government
actions taken to enhance national security. The Congress and
the president viewed a smooth transition a national security
necessity and both branches took action on issues related
to getting a new administration up and running as soon as
possible. The impetus for much of their preparatory work
was the events of September 11, 2001. The attacks on the
United States that day had a substantial impact on the shape
of the 2008-2009 transition. In two particular subject areas
discussed here, the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks
Upon the United States [the 9-11 Commission] recommendations
shaped the course of the 2008-2009 presidential
transition. Security clearances for administration nominees
and contingency crisis plans are areas where Congress and
the administration took action.