WASHINGTON – Governmental Affairs Committee Ranking Member Joe Lieberman, D-Conn., Wednesday issued the following statement in response to the statement released by the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States regarding its intention to subpoena the Federal Aviation Administration and perhaps other agencies.
“The message from the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States is clear: This Administration is standing in the way of a thorough and searching inquiry into the worst attack upon our nation in its 227 year history. “It’s time for the Administration to be held accountable for its promises of support. The American public and the families of the September 11th victims have waited a long time for answers. President Bush must now show his leadership and demand that all relevant agencies cooperate with this essential inquiry. “Already, the Commission has had to issue two ultimatums in an effort to get the documents it needs, and has had to engage in exhaustive negotiations regarding access to other information. Today’s statement from the Commission ratchets this time-consuming bidding war up another peg. “The Commission’s life expires in May, and, if the Administration is trying to run out the clock, it may instead force an extension of the investigation – thereby forcing the American public and the victims’ families to wait longer for their answers. “The joint Intelligence Committees’ investigation into the terrorist attacks was forced to play the same game. In the end, despite Administration pledges it would provide unprecedented access, certain areas were placed off limits to that inquiry, as well.