Nevadans laud president’s speech

Benjamin Grove

Friday, Sept. 21, 2001 | 9:09 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- President Bush on Thursday outlined a complex war on terrorism to be fought in many nations, but Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., does not expect a series of televised military bombardments and immediate results.

"I'm not as interested in quick strikes in an effort to flex our muscles as I am in getting at the terrorists and taking them out," Berkley said after Bush's address to Congress. "That's going to take more patience and more planning, and I am willing to exhibit the patience necessary to do this right."

Nevada's four lawmakers in Congress lauded Bush. Berkley, an outspoken Democrat, has joined in unanimous praise for Bush among lawmakers from both parties.

Berkley said Bush was thoughtful, inspiring, determined and strong, saying the president gave the best speech she has heard since being elected in 1998.

Bush gave no specifics about pending military movements, and Nevada lawmakers said they did not expect any. They said Bush thoroughly outlined his expectations and his demands of terrorists and nations that harbor them.

"There is no doubt where America stands," Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., said, calling the speech "magnificent."

Gibbons said Afghanistan's ruling Taliban government and the terrorist network al Qaeda had "woefully underestimated America and its resolve in this."

"It may not be the swiftest victory, but it will be the surest victory for America," Gibbons said.

House leaders announced Thursday that Gibbons will be a member of the newly formed House Intelligence Committee's subcommittee on terrorism, scheduled to meet next week for the first time.

Gibbons said his greatest anxiety now comes from thoughts of young U.S. soldiers that Congress effectively committed when lawmakers signed a resolution backing Bush's use of "necessary and appropriate force."

"That's what keeps me awake," said Gibbons, a former combat pilot. "But I know they are ready, and I know they will do the job they are trained to do."

Congress will continue to focus on stabilizing the nation. As early as today lawmakers could approve an airline industry bailout that is vital to Nevada's tourism economy.

Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., spoke with executives from American and United Airlines in a hastily organized meeting in Reid's Capitol Hill office just an hour before Bush's speech. Airline executives have lobbied lawmakers for an aid package Reid expects will be between $15 billion to $20 billion.

Reid, who has urged Bush to create an office of anti-terrorism czar, was pleased Bush announced a new Cabinet-level administrator to lead the Office of Homeland Security, Reid said.

Other legislative issues pending in Congress -- education legislation, energy plans, health care reform, immigration policy changes -- are lower priorities for now, lawmakers have said.

"I think that most of the things that were being talked about this year are not going to happen this year," Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., said.

Ensign said the first military strikes Bush is plotting must be "accurate and overwhelming."