WASHINGTON, July 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- House Republican Whip Roy Blunt (Mo.) issued the following statement this afternoon after House Republicans effected a series of dramatic improvements to the 9/11 recommendations bill -- including turning back a Democratic attempt to add language punishing those who report suspicious, and potentially terrorist- related, activities:
"In contrast to the Farm Bill - which Democratic leaders made far worse after it came from committee - Republicans were able to make dramatic improvements to the 9/11 bill as the process moved forward. Thanks to those efforts -- especially those of Rep. Steve Pearce -- language in this bill that would've rewarded vigilant Americans who report suspicious behavior with a lawsuit was taken out. And we were also able to strike a provision that would have demanded that authority over our Proliferation Security Initiative -- which helps us intercept illegal shipments of weapons of mass destruction -- be handed over to the United Nations.
"The federal government has no greater responsibility than to preserve the safety and security of its citizens. This bill acknowledges many of the lessons we've learned since 9/11, and acts upon them in a way that complements our work in previous Congresses to deliver that security.
"With 371 votes in favor, I'm heartened by the overwhelming margin this bill earned on the House floor -- a vote that could have never happened without the hard work and determination of Congressman Peter King and his colleagues on the Homeland Security Committee. They went to conference on this bill unwilling to take 'no' for an answer. And the product they came out with, though not a perfect bill, is something I'm proud to support."
SOURCE House Republican Whip Roy Blunt
