Press Release

July 22, 2004

Bishop Urges Congress to Act Immediately on 9/11 Commission Recommendations

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, after a special meeting of the Democratic Caucus with the Chairmen of the 9/11 Commission, Congressman Sanford Bishop announced his support for legislation that would enact the Commission's recommendations into law.  Congressman Bishop also called for a full and open debate on the comprehensive legislation to improve national security and prevent terrorist attacks. 

"Because of the historic, bipartisan work of the 9/11 Commission, we are ready to take the necessary steps to focus our efforts, improve our security and ensure that this type of attack never happens again," said Congressman Bishop. “Now it is up to us to do our job. That is why I am proud to support legislation that embodies the Commission's recommendations in their entirety.  This bill will help us get the process started, consider the Commission's recommendations in a full and open debate, and allow us to act immediately."

To avoid further delay, House Democrats sent a letter to the President today asking him to call the Congress back into session to begin debate on these recommendations.  Currently the House of Representatives is not scheduled to reconvene until September 7, 2004.

"The safety of the American people must not be a partisan issue,” said Congressman Bishop. "We cannot afford to delay our efforts to minimize the risks associated with terrorism. This is too important and I hope that my Republican colleagues will join us in taking the first step towards quickly and carefully implementing the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations.”

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