Rep. Courtney, Congress Fulfill Pledge to Pass 9/11 Commission Recommendations

Press Release

Congressman Joe Courtney today voted for a second time to implement the remaining 9/11 Commission's Recommendations, which will now be sent to the White House for President George Bush's signature. The 9/11 Commission Recommendations were the first legislative item passed by the new Congress in January.

Congressman Courtney believes that the implementation of the nonpartisan security measures will make America safer by improving homeland security and our domestic and national intelligence. The 9/11 Commission Recommendations will help to protect eastern Connecticut's sensitive defense and railway infrastructure.

"Passage of these critical security recommendations are years overdue and I am proud that my vote will help to make eastern Connecticut's families more safe," stated Congressman Joe Courtney. "I urge President Bush to sign the 9/11 Commissions' bipartisan recommendations into law so that we may offer our cities and communities greater protection from terrorism."

In December 2005, the 9/11 Commission issued a report card that offered a strong rebuke of Congress and the Administration for failing to implement all 41 recommendations. The Republican-controlled Congress and White House received 5 Fs, 12 Ds, and 2 Incompletes for its failure to begin securing the nation against terrorism.

This conference report has strong provisions to better protect America from terrorism - ranging from ensuring that first responders have the equipment they need to strengthening efforts to prevent weapons of mass destruction from falling into terrorist hands. The measure will require 100 percent scanning of U.S.-bound seaborne containers before they leave foreign ports within five years, and also requires 100 percent screening of cargo on passenger aircraft within three years.

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