[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 123 (Thursday, September 20, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H5738]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REOPENING AMERICA'S AIRPORT

  (Ms. NORTON asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, America's airport, National Airport, remains 
closed as a lasting symbol of the attack of September 11. Until it is 
opened, the terrorists have a temporary victory.
  I would be the last to want us to be reckless. Not only do I live 
here, 600,000 people whom I represent live here. But they want this 
airport opened with security, and so does America. Part of the problem 
may be that there are so many issues with which our country must cope 
that National Airport may not be getting the attention it deserves.
  The Congress and the administration must focus on National Airport 
because of what it means, not to the capital of the United States, but 
to our country. As immediate steps, the recommendation that the 
shuttles be opened is most important, because it would unite Washington 
with New York and Boston, the two cities that were the objects of 
attack.
  We must make National Airport a pilot for airport security for the 
Nation. To be sure, many jobs and the economy of this city and region 
are at stake. More important, opening the airport would be a giant 
symbol of our willingness to fight back.

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