However, when I see this kind of transparent panicky behavior which is obviously aimed at covering up any possible wrongdoing, I really, really have to restrain myself. These are classic cokehead symptoms. Slow, sure and forthcoming are character traits those types generally don't engage in.
House Speaker Firm on 9/11 Panel's Deadline
Hastert, worried about disclosures during an election season, says he will block bills that seek to give the investigative commission more time.
By Greg Miller
Times Staff Writer
February 26, 2004
WASHINGTON - House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) said Wednesday that he would block legislation to extend the deadline for a commission investigating the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks - a serious setback to the panel, which also on Wednesday expressed disappointment over limits on its access to President Bush and other administration officials.
Hastert refused to allow a bill extending the commission's deadline to be introduced in the House, angering Democrats on Capitol Hill. Bush had endorsed the idea of giving the panel two extra months - until July 26 - to complete its investigation.
A spokesman for Hastert said the speaker opposed postponing completion of the report partly out of concern that it would push the release of the commission's findings - and any damaging disclosures - into the heat of the presidential campaign. The panel's mandate calls for it to complete its work by May 27.
