At the time, Senator Leahy was a member of the intelligence panel, which had voted not to release the report.

Mr. Graham said he believed the incoming intelligence panels would build on the inquiry.

The intelligence panels will meet again in private on Tuesday and Thursday.

Others said the primacy of the intelligence panels would become evident.

Senator Boren was well regarded within his party during his time at the helm of the intelligence panel.

The changes do not go as far as the commission proposed on empowering the intelligence panel.

The intelligence panels now have authority to set policy for the intelligence agencies.

The outcome today was decided Tuesday in a private meeting of Democrats on the intelligence panel, who hold an 11-to-6 majority on the committee.

Heibel has contributed to numerous law enforcement and intelligence panels since 1995.

Now that the intelligence panel has laid the foundation, the Congressional investigation enters a new phase.