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FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2002

The lawmakers handling a probe into the September 11 terrorist attacks accepted blame on Thursday for information leaked to the press.

Vice President Dick Cheney and the White House complained vehemently that the press reported on two September 10 messages intercepted by the National Security Agency. Sen. Bob Graham (D-Fla.) and Rep. Porter J. Goss (R-Fla.), chairman of Congressional intelligence committees, said the information should not have been disclosed.

The Arabic-language messages warned that something was going to happen the following day but were not specific, according to press accounts.

In related news, Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge testified before two committees on the creation of a new Cabinet post to protect America's from terrorist attacks. The White House had been refusing to allow Ridge to appear before Congress.

Get the Story:
Cheney Blames Leaks on Congress (The Washington Post 6/21)
Ridge Presses Security Plan (The Washington Post 6/21)
Ridge Questioned Sharply About Plans for Security Department (The New York Times 6/21)
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Relevant Homeland Security Documents:
Text of Draft Bill | White House Analysis | Letter to Congress

Relevant Links:
Department of Homeland Security - http://www.whitehouse.gov/deptofhomeland

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