Spelling out the future policies yesterday, Obama justified the use drones in war against terrorism and also reiterated his commitment to close down the terrorist detention centre in Guantanamo.
"We will not back down in the face of violent extremism - because perseverance is in our diplomatic DNA. Building people to people relationships is in our national interest because it means we can solve problems before they turn into 'boots on the ground' crises," the Secretary of State, John Kerry, said.
James R Clapper, Director of National Intelligence, welcomed the effort to strengthen the process for reviewing and approving counter-terrorism operations.
"A consistent and regularised interagency coordination process that involves policymakers, intelligence professionals and the legal community is essential to preventing and responding to terrorism while ensuring the freedoms that are the bedrock of our democracy," he said.
Hagel said he has directed his officials to work closely with interagency partners and allies to implement the President's guidance, including the efforts to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay.
Republican Senator, John McCain said, he supported Obama's speech, but continued to have questions and concerns about specific details a to how he planned to achieve the goals he had laid out.
McCain said he supported Obama's plan to consolidate the use of armed drones in the Department of Defense and his reaffirmation of the goal of closing the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay.
"The President has made transparency and the disclosure of information to the public on our counter-terrorism policies and operations a priority. He should be commended for his promise to work with Congress to ensure proper and appropriate oversight," she said.