Larsen: It's Time to Make a Change

Larsen: It's Time to Make a Change

August 10, 2004

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement regarding today's House Armed Services Committee hearings he is attending on the 9/11 Commission's final report and recommendations:

"There is only one risk greater to this nation than the threat of terrorism: not changing how our country currently combats terrorism. We need to stand for change and reform.

"With the approaching third anniversary of the September 11, 2001 tragedies, it is past time to act.

"The 9/11 Commission's report and recommendations creates an opportunity for us to make this country safer. Congress must move forward and change how this country fights terrorism.

"As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I look forward to hearing from 9/11 Commissioners, defense officials, and expert witnesses over the next two days on how we can strengthen our country's national security.

"It is time to act to make America safer."

Larsen is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats, and Capabilities. His congressional district includes Naval Station Everett and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Larsen flew back to Washington, D.C., from Washington state for today's and tomorrow's hearings and returns to the state Wednesday evening.