Pelosi: 'Republican Opposition to Extending 9/11 Commission at Odds with Enormity of September 11th Tragedy'

January 19, 2004

Washington, D.C. -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on news reports that President Bush and Speaker Hastert oppose granting more time to the independent commission investigating the September 11 terrorist attacks:

“President Bush’s opposition to extending the Commission is at odds with the enormity of the tragedy we suffered on September 11th, and with the necessity to do everything we can to make it less likely that we would experience another horrific attack.

“Our responsibility is to the families of 9/11 and the future security of our country. The families need answers, and we need to protect the American people. The Administration's secrecy and stalling do not serve either purpose.

“Time and again, the Bush Administration has refused to de-classify relevant information so that it can be examined by the Commission. Then it delayed turning over necessary material. Now, after slow walking the Commission for months, President Bush is opposing granting the Commission extra time to complete its work.

“A majority of those in the best position to know -- the Republicans and Democrats on the Commission -- have said they need more time. President Bush and Speaker Hastert owe the families and the country an explanation of why they are preventing the Commission from doing its work.”

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