Bush Grants Extension to 9/11 Commission

Despite initial objections, President Bush agreed Wednesday to extend until July 26 the deadline for the panel investigating the Sept. 11 attacks to finish its work, setting the stage for release of its final report in the middle of the presidential campaign.

The extension was requested by the commission, which wanted the original May 27 deadline pushed back 60 days to complete interviews and review documents.

“We are pleased to support their request for an extension and we urge Congress to act quickly to extend that timetable” by 60 days, said White House spokesman Scott McClellan.

Some lawmakers wanted to delay release of the commission’s potentially damaging final report until January, well after the November election.

“If the commission has information that can help prevent another catastrophic terrorist attack on American soil, we need to have that information as soon as possible,” McClellan said.

The White House had resisted granting the commission any extension, arguing it should finish its work on schedule.

But pressure has mounted on the White House to back down -- from relatives of Sept. 11 victims and the commission itself.

Panel members have complained that the administration has been slow to provide the documents they need.

Bush’s Democratic rivals have accused his administration of stonewalling, a criticism that could resonate with some voters in an election year.

The Sept. 11 commission plans this weekend to interview Bush’s national security advisor, Condoleezza Rice. Bush may also be questioned, officials said.