Bush supports deadline extension for Sept. 11 commission

President Bush said on Wednesday that he would support a two-month extension for the federal commission investigating the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, even though bipartisan legislation introduced this week calls for at least a seven-month extension.

The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States decided last week to request a two-month deadline extension to complete a comprehensive report on how federal agencies failed to prevent the Sept. 11 attacks, and develop recommendations on how to ward off future attacks. At the time, the Bush administration and leading congressional Republicans said they would block an extension.

On Wednesday, however, the administration reversed its position and granted the extension.

"The president is pleased to support the commission's request, and we urge Congress to act quickly to extend the timetable for an additional 60 days for the commission to complete its work," White House press secretary Scott McClellan said. "The administration changed course because it became convinced the panel needed the extra time."

The two-month extension is shorter than the one proposed in legislation introduced Monday by Sens. Joe Lieberman, D-Conn., and John McCain, R-Ariz. That bill would extend the commission's life to Jan. 10, 2005, as well as provide it with an additional $6 million.

"An extension until after the November elections is warranted to ensure a comprehensive and thorough investigation in a nonpartisan environment," McCain said. "There should be no rush to complete a report that must address issues related to the very security of the American people."

A spokesman for the commission said its staff determined that two more months would be adequate. Victims' families, however, are still pushing for a longer deadline extension.

The spokesman said congressional leaders, especially House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., will play a critical role in deciding how long to extend the deadline.

"We are very hopeful that they will see things the president's way and ours, and give us the additional 60 days to complete our work," the spokesman said.

The commission also plans to meet this weekend with National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, and is trying to set up interviews with Bush and officials from the Clinton administration. Rice is not expected to testify under oath.