On this day: December 17

Published On: Dec 14 2012 03:50:06 PM CST   Updated On: Dec 17 2012 01:00:00 AM CST

France recognizes America as a nation, the Wright brothers take flight, Tiny Tim marries Miss Vicki in front of millions of TV viewers, and Kim Jong-il dies, all on this day.

OTD December 17 - counterterrorism law
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Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

2004: U.S. President George W. Bush signs into law the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, the largest overhaul of U.S. intelligence gathering in 50 years. The bill aims to tighten borders and aviation security and also creates a federal counterterrorism center and a new intelligence director.

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