An Open Letter to 9/11 Legislation Conferees
October 18, 2004
Dear Conferees:
The task of reconciling the House and Senate versions of the 9/11 reform legislation is yours. This means you have the opportunity to restore America’s faith in its government by making that government accountable. Enacting the core reforms of the 9/11 Commission in the manner they envisioned is the only conscionable response to the deaths of nearly three thousand people on September 11th.
The result of your work should be to present a bill to both Houses that provides for:
| • A National Intelligence Director with the necessary authorities to perform the job effectively |
| • A National Counterterrorism Center |
| • A Civil Liberties Review Board |
| • Multiple National Intelligence Centers |
| • Declassification of the aggregate intelligence budget |
This legislative package should also address the numerous other recommendations contained in the 9/11 Commission’s report. However, such legislation should be unencumbered by controversial provisions that violate international law, are unrelated to the war against terrorism or are inconsistent with the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission .
Our goal is to have this bill signed into law before Election Day. The President is urging that as well. The 9/11 families, along with millions of Americans, are watching to see what you do. We call upon you to execute your responsibilities with great urgency and with the highest integrity by rising above politics, setting aside turf battles and resisting the comfort of the status quo. That is the best way to honor the memory of those killed on September 11th.
Respectfully,
The Family Steering Committee for the 9/11 Commission and Supporters
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