Pelosi to Hastert: 9/11 Commission Needs More Time

Pelosi to Hastert: 9/11 Commission Needs More Time

Washington, D.C.-House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi today released a letter sent yesterday to House Speaker Dennis Hastert urging him to bring to the House floor a bill to allow the 9/11 Commission more time to pursue its critical task.

Following is the full text of the letter:

February 24, 2004

J. Dennis Hastert
Speaker
United States House of Representatives
H 232, U.S. Capitol
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Mr. Speaker:

As you know, the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9-11 Commission) is engaged in one of the most important investigations in our country's history. The Commission was created to review the causes of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and to evaluate the state of preparedness of the agencies of the federal government before the attacks, their response to the attacks, and the steps that have been taken to prevent similar attacks. It is imperative that the Commission's report be based on the most thorough examination of the facts possible.

Although the Commission has been working diligently, delays in getting access to information have made it impossible for all of the work currently planned to be finished by the date specified in existing law. The Commission's chairman and vice chairman have requested additional time to ensure that the Commission's report is complete, and President Bush has endorsed that request.

Providing the extra time the Commission needs is now up to Congress. If action is not taken soon, the Commission will have no choice but to take the steps necessary to meet the existing deadline. If that occurs, important investigative work will not be done, a result clearly not in the national interest. I therefore urge you to ensure that a bill extending the deadline for the submission of the Commission's final report is brought to the floor expeditiously. The American people deserve a full accounting of all aspects of the events of September 11, and Congress has a special responsibility to make sure that one is provided.

Thank you for you attention to this request.

Best regards,

NANCY PELOSI