George W. Bush's position on

The 9/11 Commission Report &endash; An independent government commission released its' final report on July 22, 2004, concerning the events and implications of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York City, Washington D.C., and the failed attempt that resulted in a plane crash in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. As a result of the report, the 9/11 Commission made 41 recommendations for improvements in homeland security to prevent further terrorist attacks. link

Description of Candidate's Position: Bush responded to the report by announcing his intentions of opening a national counter-terrorism center. The goal of the center will be to rally together the government's knowledge of terrorists and analyze that knowledge in order to better protect the country from further attacks. It will also arrange counter-terrorism strategies and ensure joint action through all branches of government. The center will also become responsible for preparing daily terrorism reports to the President as well as establishing the level of terrorist threat to the American people.

Quotation from the Candidate: "Their recommendations are thoughtful and valuable. My administration has already taken numerous actions consistent with the commission's recommendations. Today, we're taking additional steps. Our government's actions against the terrorist threat accelerated dramatically after the attacks on the country. Across the world, we've aggressively pursued al Qaeda terrorists, destroyed their training camps and ended their sanctuaries." link

Assessment of the Proposal:

Positive: Bush's administration has already taken steps to act in accordance with the commission's recommendations. According to an article by Rep. Tom DeLay in USA Today, the House overwhelmingly has passed legislation based on the commission's recommendations.

Negative: The President suggests that the National Intelligence Director "be a person appointed by the President". In a matter of homeland security, it may be best for that position to be appointed by an independent council. Negative: According to Rep. Jane Harman, the President's remarks in regards to the 9-11 Commission are a flip-flop from his original position on the commission. Harman stated that the President was against the creation of the commission and that "when the voice of the families couldn't be drowned out that finally there was agreement to set up the Commission."

Comparison: Sen Kerry stands in agreement with the President that urgent action needs to be taken. Additionally, Kerry suggests a bipartisan "Emergency Security Summit" that brings together Congress and the 9/11 Commission to take a look at "what has been achieved and what we can still do." Kerry advocates immediate implementation of all Commission recommendations, without alteration.

Link to Kerry's issue page