Edwards Supports House Passage of 9-11 Legislation, Stresses Need to Incorporate Bipartisan Reforms In Final Conference Committee Bill

Edwards Supports House Passage of 9-11 Legislation, Stresses Need to Incorporate Bipartisan Reforms In Final Conference Committee Bill

(Washington) -- Congressman Chet Edwards (TX11) today supported House legislation that implements 9-11 Commission reforms following the Senate's action Wednesday. The differences between the two bills will now be negotiated in a conference committee.

"I voted for the House bill today because homeland security must be our first priority in Congress and this bill includes a number of the 9-11 Commission's bipartisan recommendations to strengthen our intelligence operations oversight, increase the number of border agents, and improve port security and air cargo inspection. This bill also creates a national counter-terrorism center, a vital recommendation of the 9-11 Commission that will improve our intelligence efforts," said Edwards.

Edwards, as a recognized leader in the fight against nuclear terrorism, did express concern that House bill does not meet the standards outlined by the 9-11 Commission and Senate legislation when it comes to nuclear terrorism and creating a National Intelligence Director with full authority.

"Six months prior to September 11 2001, I was leading the fight against cuts in the program that is helping secure nuclear material in Russia from theft by terrorists. We were able to stop those proposed cuts and I have initiated the effort to put nuclear detection devices for ship containers in foreign seaports, but Congress and the Administration must be bolder to effectively address the threat posed by nuclear terrorism. That's why I applaud the Senate's approach in its legislation, endorsed by the 9-11 Commission, to develop a comprehensive strategy to combat nuclear terrorism. This is an issue that has been identified by both President Bush and Senator Kerry as a top national security priority and I agree. We must also create a National Intelligence Director that not only has a title, but full authority to effectively manage our intelligence efforts.

I am voting for this bill to allow the House and Senate to meet soon in a conference committee, which will draft the final version of the 9-11 legislation. I want to urge Republicans and Democrats in Congress to follow the bipartisan lead of the Senate, whose bill passed 96-2, and work in good faith on this legislation, without regard to partisan interests. The American people deserve no less.

The wisdom of Thomas Jefferson when he said 'Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty' still rings true today," said Edwards. "We will win this war, but it will require our determination and perseverance.