Media

Chairman Lantos Says Cowardly Killing of Benazir Bhutto Should Prompt U.S. To Renew Commitment to Pakistan's People

Washington, DC -- U.S. Congressman Tom Lantos, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has issued the following statement on the death of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto:

"Today, the world has witnessed a tragedy in Pakistan. This was a cowardly attack by extremist elements. Madam Bhutto was a stalwart of moderation, a force for democratic values, and a personal friend. I express my sincere condolences to her family, to her many friends, and to the people of Pakistan for the loss of one of their daughters.

"The actions of the EPA in denying the California request cannot help but raise serious questions about the support of the Bush Administration for state efforts to safeguard the environment and the health of their residents," wrote the Speaker, who spoke with Johnson yesterday. "As we discussed, your decision will be challenged immediately in the courts and will be carefully scrutinized by the Congress as well."

Below is a text of the letter:

December 21, 2007

Stephen L. Johnson, Administrator

Environmental Protection Agency

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

Throughout the year, the Democratic-led Congress has passed legislation to make America safer, revitalize the American dream and restore accountability and fiscal responsibility to Washington.

We are proud of our accomplishments on behalf of the American people, but more could have been done if not for the obstructions by Roadblock Republicans in the House and Senate and the President's cruel veto pen.

Justice Department delayed prosecuting Republican official for jamming Democrats' phones

Greg Gordon, McClatchy Newspapers - December 19, 2007

Watch the hearing live via committee webcast or on C Span 1.

Rep. Jerrold Nadler, Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, gives opening remarks:

Democrats in Congress began this year by restoring responsible pay-as-you-go budget rules, passing a budget that invested in the priorities of the American people and came to balance within five years. Our record of fiscal responsibility, which has been praised by independent analysts, stands in stark contrast to six years of record deficits and debt by President Bush and Republicans in Congress.