Serrano wants all 9/11 panel ideas pushed

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- A New York Democratic Congressman, giving the Hispanic caucus's weekly radio address, ripped Republicans over their response to 9/11.

Rep. Jose Serrano said the Bush administration has failed to implement completely the recommendations of the bipartisan 9/11 commission.

"Our fire fighters and police officers have been given new responsibilities, but have not been given the resources they need to fulfill them," said Serrano. "And too many of our ports, airports, and chemical facilities are still undefended.

"Republicans and Democrats joined together to appoint a bipartisan, expert commission to evaluate our challenges. Several weeks ago, that 9/11 Commission made sweeping recommendations, but our government has not yet responded and they have not implemented them."

To remedy the problems, he said, more than 100 Democrats plus some Republicans are pushing a bill that would implement all of the commission's recommendations.

"This bill should be the highest priority for our government."