Statement on Bush Administration Withholding Documents From 9/11 Commission

Pelosi Statement on Bush Administration Withholding Documents From 9/11 Commission

Washington, D.C.-House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on news reports that the Bush Administration has blocked thousands of pages of national security documents from the Clinton Administration from being turned over to the 9/11 Commission:

"Just this week, President Bush reminded the American people of the crucial task of the 9/11 Commission, and stated that he had directed his staff to cooperate because he 'considered it necessary to gaining a complete picture of the months and years preceding the September 11th attacks.' It is long past time for the President's actions to match his words.

"Unfortunately, today, we were reminded that once again the Bush Administration had to be dragged at every step of the way to fully cooperate with the 9/11 Commission.

"Failing to provide the Commission with the Clinton Administration's documents is not consistent with the President's promise of cooperation. The White House must immediately stop stalling and it must release these critical documents to the Commission without further delay.

"Only with full and open cooperation from the Bush Administration can we provide the American people with the most complete understanding of decisions made before and after the attacks. The families of September 11 and the American people deserve no less."