What Remains to Be Done

[Commentary] The 9/11 Commission has issued a disturbingly mixed report on the progress made in national security in the 10 years since the terrorist attacks. It found considerable improvements but also grave shortcomings that could leave the nation vulnerable to new and “likely successful attacks.” These include:

• The “outrageous” failure thus far by Congress, as one commission member put it, to allocate radio spectrum space needed by first responders to avoid a repeat of the communications problems that cost many lives at ground zero. Congress has yet to decide whether to provide a dedicated public safety spectrum, as proposed by President Obama, or auction off wireless spectrum to commercial bidders who would then be required to provide access to the network during emergencies. Further delay is unconscionable if the nation is to deal adequately with terrorist attacks and disasters like Hurricane Katrina.

As the 9/11 anniversary approaches, it is clear that there can be no letdown in watchfulness. The bipartisan commission renders an important public service by tracking the progress and the unfulfilled promises made in the past 10 years.