[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 126 (Tuesday, September 25, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H6046]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             AMERICA'S RESPONSE TO THE SEPTEMBER 11 ATTACKS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Langevin) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, Sunday was an important day in the United 
States as we come to terms with the senseless terrorist attacks of 
September 11. In a brief mourning ceremony at Camp David, President 
Bush watched as the U.S. flag was hoisted to a full staff for the first 
time in 12 days.
  Later that afternoon, thousands of mourners gathered at Yankee 
Stadium in New York for a multi-faith event to remember their loved 
ones and all those lost in the terrorist attacks.
  Our collective grief and confusion during the last 2 weeks have not 
waned and will likely remain with us for years. However, Sunday's two 
events remind all Americans of the strong foundation on which this 
Nation is built, and of the need to defend our citizens and principles 
from future threats.
  Paramount among America's concerns following the attacks was the 
realization that terror could strike on our own soil. However, we 
cannot live in constant fear and hand a victory to the terrorists, so 
it is incumbent upon Congress to restore faith in national security. We 
need immediate action to enhance safety in airports and on planes by 
improving passenger and baggage screening procedures, strengthening 
airplane security features, and installing sky marshals on flights.
  Additionally, we must identify other vulnerabilities in our 
infrastructure, and work to safeguard food and water supplies, 
financial institutions, electricity grids, energy production 
facilities, and transportation and communications networks.
  Once we have improved any shortcomings in our infrastructure, we can 
enact fundamental reforms such as ensuring police departments, 
firefighters, rescue workers, health care systems, and local 
governments are prepared in the event of biological or chemical 
attacks.
  The Rhode Island Disaster Initiative has served as a pioneer in 
developing a model disaster plan for every State in the Nation. I am 
proud of this initiative, and hope that it will play an integral role 
in developing national solutions to problems revealed on September 11.
  Also, an investment in mental health services, whose importance is 
often overlooked in times of tragedies, would help Americans, 
especially children, deal with the trauma of witnessing violence and 
terrorism around the globe.
  All of these efforts must be pursued in conjunction with a careful, 
coordinated counterterrorism program. The new Office of Homeland 
Security is an essential step towards preventing terrorism, and 
Congress must provide this office with the authority it needs to be 
effective.
  By consolidating existing responsibilities from the 40 different 
agencies managing terrorism prevention, and by establishing 
information-sharing procedures with the FBI and CIA, the Office of 
Homeland Security can safeguard our lands, citizens, and facilities 
from future threats.
  I also look forward to working with the administration on its request 
for increased authority to combat terrorism. As terrorists gain access 
to new technology, our law enforcement offices must be equipped to 
intercept and analyze these communications.
  However, in our rush to action, any new authority Congress grants 
must be consistent with the civil liberties guaranteed in the 
Constitution and upheld by the courts.
  Furthermore, we must focus on the true perpetrators of terrorist 
crimes, and condemn the unfounded targeting or harassment of innocent 
Americans because of their skin color, customs, or beliefs.
  Mr. Speaker, we are just beginning to fathom the implications of the 
September 11 attacks. Yet, we may take comfort that our Nation's 
principles are still intact. The valiant and selfless efforts of 
emergency responders are to be commended. The generosity of those who 
have donated to relief efforts and the multifaith ceremony at Yankee 
Stadium all demonstrate that Americans of all backgrounds join in 
condemnation of terrorism.
  For many years to come, when we look at our flag proudly waving at 
full staff, we will remember the victims of September 11, but we will 
also be reminded of the principles that make the United States a great 
Nation, and which we must always strive to preserve.

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