Republican 9/11 Bill Is Weak Where It Should Be Strong; We Can Do Better And We Must

Pelosi: 'Republican 9/11 Bill Is Weak Where It Should Be Strong; We Can Do Better And We Must'

Washington, D.C.-House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Whip Steny Hoyer, Caucus Chair Bob Menendez, and Caucus Vice Chair James E. Clyburn held a news conference this afternoon in the Capitol to discuss the Republican 9/11 bill scheduled to be on the House floor this week. Below are Pelosi's remarks:

"Time is growing short before we adjourn for Congress to protect the American people. House Republicans stand alone as the only obstacle in the way of passing a meaningful 9/11 bill that will make America safer.

"In a radical departure from the spirit of bipartisan cooperation that characterized both the work of the 9/11 Commission and of the Senate Government Affairs Committee, House Republican leaders have isolated themselves, drafting a bill without real input from the families of 9/11, from their own Republican Members, or from House Democrats.

"Today, House Democrats are sending a letter to Speaker Hastert asking for an open rule on the floor so that we will have the maximum ability to debate the bill's provisions and offer amendments. We also insist on the opportunity for a clean vote on the bipartisan McCain-Lieberman-Collins bill now in the Senate.

"The Republican 9/11 bill is weak where it should be strong; we can do better and we must.

"Republicans who claim to support the bipartisan McCain-Lieberman-Collins bill will have the opportunity to demonstrate their support for it by voting against the rule for debate in the House, if the rule does not allow that bill to be considered.

"Anything less than an open rule would be inconsistent with the special duty we have to treating matters dealing with 9/11 as hallowed ground. There is no room for partisanship. We must act in a way that reduces risk to the American people, makes our country safer, and gives comfort to families of 9/11."