SCHAKOWSKY: AMERICANS LESS SECURE UNDER BUSH ADMINISTRATION

JULY 22, 2004

SCHAKOWSKY: AMERICANS LESS SECURE UNDER BUSH ADMINISTRATION

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) today issued the following statement in reaction to the Bipartisan 9/11 Commission report and to President Bush's visit to Glenview, Illinois, to speak about homeland security. Below is Schakowsky's statement:

"On the day that the Bipartisan 9/11 Commission released its final report on the terrorist attacks on our nation, President Bush decided to deliver a speech in Glenview on his Administration's success in meeting our country's homeland security needs. The truth is, President Bush has failed and his policies have made us less safe at home.

"The American people are less secure almost three years after 9/11 because President Bush was more interested in invading Iraq in a war of choice instead of using the hundreds of billions of dollars to shore up our homeland defenses against terrorist attacks.

"Our local police and fire departments in Chicago and in cities across the country are understaffed, under-funded, and ill-equipped to fight and respond to terrorist attacks. In my district, first responders cannot afford new communication equipment, training or protective gear and most localities cannot afford to meet all their homeland security needs. The Bush Administration has failed to make it a priority to improve security at our ports, our rail lines, around nuclear and power plants and on our commercial aircrafts.

"The 9/11 Commission has provided us with a blueprint to better protect the American people and Democrats are united in taking every necessary step to make every American safe and secure. Instead of traveling around the country just taking about homeland security, President Bush should deliver on his promise to truly make us safe."