Mark Udall: “nearly two months ago this House passed a bill that failed to address many of the 9/11 Commission's recommendations…”

“nearly two months ago this House passed a bill that failed to address many of the 9/11 Commission's recommendations, while including objectional provisions regarding immigration, civil liberties, and other issues. While the Senate was able to reach agreement on a bill that reflected the views of both parties, the Commission, and the 9/11 families, House leaders did not work in a similarly bipartisan way to reach agreement on the best way to implement the recommendations. I voted for the House bill because I believe we need intelligence reform. I hoped that with the President supporting the Senate bill and every Republican in the Senate voting for it, the House Republicans' misguided criticisms of the bill wouldn't carry much weight in conference. So I am very pleased that the conference report we are voting on today more closely reflects the Senate bill. And I am encouraged that during this last week of the 108th Congress, we have come together to put country before politics--and to send legislation to the President that will make America safer.”