From the CNN Politics Political Ticker blog, Harry Reid said he opposes the proposed mosque near Ground Zero. He also used the opportunity to slam the GOP over 9/11-related legislation that did not pass the House:
(CNN) – Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid is breaking ranks with President Obama over the issue of the proposed construction of a controversial Islamic center and mosque just blocks away from Ground Zero.
“The First Amendment protects freedom of religion,” spokesman Jim Manley said in a statement. “Sen. Reid respects that but thinks that the mosque should be built some place else. If the Republicans are being sincere, they would help us pass this long overdue bill to help the first responders whose health and livelihoods have been devastated because of their bravery on 911, rather than continuing to block this much-needed legislation.”
Reid told the New York Daily News he may bring up the 9/11 health bill for a full vote after Congress returns from vacation.