Roemer To Introduce 9/11 Independent Commission

U.S. Rep. Tim Roemer
NEWS RELEASE

Third Congressional District, Indiana
2352 Rayburn Building
Washington,D.C. 20515
202-225-3915

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Rusty Silverstein
July 24, 2001 107-201

ROEMER TO INTRODUCE 9/11 INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AMENDMENT TODAY ON HOUSE FLOOR

Washington - Congressmen Tim Roemer (D-IN) plans to bring the proposal to establish an independent, blue-ribbon commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding the September 11 attacks to a vote on the floor of the House Wednesday as an amendment to the Intelligence Authorization bill.

"The families of September 11 and the American people have waited too long for an independent, expert analysis of what steps this nation must take to protect its citizens," said Roemer. "It is long past time that we heeded their call. On Wednesday, I will stand with the many supporters of an independent commission from both sides of the aisle and insist that the House of Representatives finally give this issue the consideration it deserves."

Last week, representatives of a broad coalition of family members of victims of the September 11 attacks appeared with Roemer and Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) at a Capitol Hill news conference and called for an immediate vote on a proposal to establish an independent, blue-ribbon commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding the September 11 attacks. The coalition of September 11 families represents 1,200 people in 40 states.

A bipartisan coalition of 111 Members of the House have already agreed to cosponsor Roemer's independent commission bill (HR 4777). Similar legislation in the Senate sponsored by Sens. John McCain (R-AZ) and Joe Lieberman (D-CT) passed the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee in December 2001.

The independent commission proposed by Roemer would consist of ten members - three appointed by the Senate Majority Leader; three by the Speaker of the House; two by the Senate Minority Leader; and two by the House Minority Leader. Not more than five appointees may be members of the same political party, ensuring a bipartisan approach to the investigation and subsequent recommendations. The commission will report to the President and Congress on its findings, conclusions and recommendations to prevent future terrorist attacks.

ENDS

© Scoop Media