[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 123 (Thursday, September 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1678]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           FAMILIES STAMP ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 20, 2001

  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, as we begin our long recovery from the 
attacks on our nation last week, many of our thoughts are with those 
who lost loved ones. I think we have all been overwhelmed by the 
outpouring of generosity by the American people. I has been one of the 
few silver linings in an otherwise dark, dark cloud hanging over this 
nation.
  Among Congress' many tasks, I believe it is our duty to enable and 
magnify this generosity in the most productive way. And I am very proud 
that so many members have introduced legislation to that effect.
  In this effort, Congressman Shays and I are introducing the September 
11th Families Stamp Act. This legislation would establish a 
commemorative stamp to assist the families of those who lost their 
lives in the attacks last week.
  Our bill would instruct the Postal Service to issue a stamp in the 
memory of the victims. Like the very successful Breast Cancer Research 
stamp, this stamp would cost six cents more than a regular first-class 
stamp. The extra money raised would be distributed to the families of 
those who lost their loved ones, at the World Trade Center, the 
Pentagon, or in the four hijacked airliners on September 11th. The 
Breast Cancer Research stamp has raised $20 million since its inception 
in 1997.
  The funds raised by the September 11th Families Stamp would be 
distributed by the Office of Victims of Crimes, in the Department of 
Justice, and would be tax-exempt for the recipients. The stamp would be 
issued by December 1, so that it is available for the holiday season, 
and would be in circulation for two years.
  And I am very pleased to say that this is only one of several ideas 
put forward to help the families torn apart by last week's terrible 
events. My colleagues, Representative Ackerman and Representative 
Fossella, have a bill to issue a stamp specifically for the families of 
the firefighters, police, and rescuers lost in this tragedy. 
Representative Engel has introduced a bill to issue a commemorative 
coin to do much the same. Representative LaFalce has put forward a 
Victory Bond bill as yet another excellent way to allow Americans to 
give to the relief effort. And Representative Velazquez has introduced 
legislation to allow people to devote their tax refunds to the relief 
efforts more easily.
  I think it is absolutely wonderful to have so many options before the 
Congress. And I hope that more members will come up with such good 
ideas and keep introducing legislation to help the victims. but I also 
want to encourage the leadership to use these ideas in developing a 
comprehensive package to build upon America's generous desire to help 
all the victims of these unspeakable events.
  Clearly, nothing will ever make up for the terrible loss our 
countrymen have suffered. But we can at least help make their lives 
easier as they go forward.

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