Senator (Lieberman) seeks to keep 9/11 bill free of Iraq provisions

http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0207/022607cdpm1.htm

Senator seeks to keep 9/11 bill free of Iraq provisions

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chairman Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., is making it clear he does not want Iraq-related amendments attached to a bill scheduled for floor action this week that would implement unfulfilled recommendations of the 9/11 Commission.

Democratic leaders seemed inclined Monday to hold off introducing Iraq-related amendments to the bill, possibly to avoid upsetting Lieberman and moving him closer to switching party affiliations, which would swing the Senate back to GOP control.

But one aide said it also depends on whether Republicans push to attach language supportive of President Bush's so-called surge in U.S. troop strength in the most dangerous areas of Iraq. "The Democrats won't if Republicans don't," this aide said. "That would be an absolute miracle in my view, but let's keep our fingers crossed."

An aide to Lieberman said the chairman "prefers that the 9/11 Commission bill not be used as a vehicle for Iraq debate." In letters and calls to senators, family members of 9/11 victims also say the bill is not the appropriate way to debate Iraq-related measures. The Senate plans to begin debate on the bill Tuesday.