[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 120 (Friday, September 14, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1659]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 PROVIDING FOR EXPEDITED PAYMENT OF CERTAIN BENEFITS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY 
  OFFICERS KILLED OR INJURED IN CONNECTION WITH TERRORIST ATTACKS OF 
                           SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

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                               speech of

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 13, 2001

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this President, this 
nation and this legislation. The devastating and cowardly attack on the 
World Trade Center, the Pentagon, the American people, and free 
democratic societies everywhere must be responded to with the swift 
justice and mighty force of the United States military and our allies. 
We must continue to stand together to make it through this most 
difficult time. We must also support the victims, families and the 
heroic search and rescue teams currently working tirelessly in New York 
as well as the on-going investigations of these deplorable acts. 
Yesterday, we voted for the Victims of Terrorism Relief Act of 2001 to 
provide tax relief for the victims of this heinous attack on our soil. 
In addition, we passed legislation that will expedite payments of 
certain benefits to public safety officers. These are just two of the 
necessary steps to ensure the largest possible benefit to the families 
of those who have paid the greatest possible price. Today, we must 
focus on the vast work that remains to be done. None of this, however, 
will be feasible without significant resources that are dedicated to 
their intended purpose.
  As we enter into a potentially prolonged attack on terrorism and its 
sponsors throughout the world, we must be prepared for the consequences 
of this significant decision. We must take steps to ensure that the 
resources are available to secure our skies and protect our people. 
These steps must include funding for fortifying our military, upgrading 
our intelligence, and security needs, while simultaneously supporting 
those who are suffering from the effects of the devastation of a few 
short days ago. The supplemental funding that we are voting on will 
support our military, rebuild our city, and assist those who are 
suffering. Mr. Speaker, I stand with my colleagues, united with our 
President and in defiance of those who believe that they can threaten 
our freedom. I support this legislation and pray for the victims, the 
rescue workers and all Americans.

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