DATE=5-16-02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CONGRESS HIJACKINGS (S-update)

NUMBER=2-289897

BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE

DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-S lawmakers want to know if the U-S government had enough information to avoid the September 11th terrorist attacks, after the White House revealed President Bush was warned of possible hijackings a month before the attacks. Correspondent Deborah Tate reports from Capitol Hill.

TEXT: The Bush administration came under heavy criticism Thursday from Congressional Democrats, who demanded to know how much the administration knew about the hijacking threats prior to September 11th.

Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle:

/// DASCHLE ACTUALITY ///

Why did it take eight months to receive this information? And secondly, what specific actions were taken by the White House in response?

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Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott warned Democrats against using the matter for political gain.

/// LOTT ACTUALITY ///

Does anybody really think that this President, or any President, of either party at any time, would know we were going to be attacked and not take necessary actions to try to deal with it? I do not believe the American people really think that.

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Meanwhile, there are growing bipartisan calls to have an independent commission investigate. (signed)

Neb/dat/PT