Press Releases

Representative John Doolittle Plays the Blame Game... Again

Congressman John Doolittle – under FBI investigation – is at it again. This time, embattled and ethically challenged Doolittle is trying to blame Democrats for the Republicans stalling critical Homeland Security legislation.

“It is the height of hypocrisy for John Doolittle to blame anyone for “avoiding transparency, avoiding accountability,” said Jennifer Crider, Communications Director at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “John Doolittle is an expert at the blame game, from the Democrats to the FBI, his behavior is always someone else’s fault. If John Doolittle wants to start talking about transparency and accountability, he should start with his own unethical behavior.”

Background:

Today, John Doolittle falsely claimed the House is “avoiding transparency, avoiding accountability.” [Bloomberg, June 14, 2007]

For the past two days, House Republicans have stalled consideration of the Homeland Security Appropriations bill – a top priority for the country, but apparently not for Republicans like John Doolittle.

The bill increases border security – sending thousands of additional agents to the border – provides first responders with additional training and equipment, improves aviation and port security, and includes strong accountability measures in order to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being well spent. The Republicans are obstructing:

3,000 new border patrol agents to secure our nation First responder training and equipment Explosive detection systems at airports Doubling the amount of cargo screened on passenger aircraft Transit security, including rail and ferry systems Increased port security