FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 17, 2004

CONTACT: Brendan Daly/ Jennifer Crider 202-226-7616

Pelosi: At Least, And At Last, President Joins Debate On 9/11 Commission Recommendations

Washington, D.C. -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on the President’s legislative proposal to establish a National Intelligence Director and a National Counterterrorism Center, which was submitted to Congress this week:

“Given the dwindling number of days on the congressional calendar, it would have been better if the President had weighed in with a specific proposal on the 9/11 Commission recommendations earlier, but at least, and at last, he has joined us at the table. Although it is late, the President’s proposal, along with the message of flexibility that accompanied it, may signal that he is ready to contribute to the debate over the 9/11 Commission recommendations.

“Republican leaders in the House, who continue to draft their bill in secret and reject calls to include Democrats in the deliberations, would do well to follow the example of Senators McCain and Lieberman, as well as that of the President.  On an issue of this magnitude, the country is better served by an open, bipartisan process that reflects a commitment to making real progress in the short amount of time left in this Congress.”

“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi