[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 123 (Thursday, September 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1679]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




AUTHORIZING USE OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES AGAINST THOSE RESPONSIBLE 
              FOR RECENT ATTACKS AGAINST THE UNITED STATES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 14, 2001

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
H.J. Res. 64/S.J. Res. 23, the use-of-military force resolution. By 
passing this resolution, the House of Representatives will send a clear 
message to our country's enemies--the United States is resolute. We 
stand with the President. We are united in defending our freedom and 
our liberty.
  I spent the last two days in New York, offering assistance and 
comfort to my constituents in this time of great tragedy. Earlier this 
afternoon, I toured lower Manhattan with the President and other 
members of the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut delegations.
  Over these last few days I have not been able to truly describe the 
landscape of destruction. When I walk among the rubble I am speechless. 
I have often thought that perhaps I should call upon religious scholars 
or poets to try to put these visions into words--I do not think I am up 
to the task. It is an indescribable place.
  Walking through New York City I can tell you that the pain is very 
deep and very real but so is the resolve to rebuild and to not give 
into terror.
  I have never been so moved by the actions of everyday people.
  I have held the relatives of the missing as they sob for their loved 
ones while they proclaim in the same breath that they have never been 
so proud of New York City and America.
  I have witnessed ashen-faced firefighters, as they move uptown after 
working at ground zero, applauded and embraced by total strangers as if 
returning from battle.
  New Yorkers want a response to the madness of September 11th. Passage 
of the resolution will solidify this country's ability to take military 
action.
  Congress stands with the President. And when the perpetrators have 
been identified, this resolution says that we will support President 
Bush when he takes action against the cowards who attacked our beloved 
country.
  A day after Pearl Harbor was attacked, President Franklin D. 
Roosevelt, a great President and a great New Yorker said: ``I believe I 
interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that 
we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make very 
certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.''
  International terrorism should never endanger us again! I urge all my 
colleagues to vote in favor of this resolution.

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