[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 130 (Tuesday, October 2, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H6076-H6080]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
MEMORIALIZING FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS
Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass
the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 42) memorializing fallen firefighters
by lowering the American flag to half-staff in honor of the National
Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Emmitsburg, Maryland, as
amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H.J. Res. 42
Whereas 1,200,000 men and women comprise the American fire
and emergency services;
Whereas the fire and emergency services is considered one
of the most dangerous jobs in the United States;
Whereas fire and emergency services personnel respond to
over 16 million emergency calls annually, without reservation
and with little regard for their personal safety;
Whereas fire and emergency services personnel are the first
to respond to an emergency, whether it involves a fire,
medical emergency, spill of hazardous materials, natural
disaster, act of terrorism, or transportation accident;
Whereas approximately one-third of all active fire and
emergency personnel suffer debilitating injuries annually;
and
Whereas approximately 100 fire and emergency services
personnel die annually in the line of duty: Now, therefore,
be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, That each
year, the American flags on all Federal office buildings will
be lowered to half-staff in honor of the National Fallen
Firefighters Memorial Service in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) and the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms.
Jackson-Lee) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr.
Sensenbrenner).
General Leave
Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend
their remarks and to include extraneous material on House Joint
Resolution 42, the joint resolution under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Wisconsin?
There was no objection.
Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Joint Resolution 42.
This joint resolution recognizes the memorial of thousands of Americans
who have fallen while serving as fire and emergency personnel
throughout the years in America by lowering the American flag to half-
staff on the day of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.
This year, this day is Sunday, October 7.
Every year, thousands of Americans attend public and private
ceremonies at the campus of the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg,
Maryland, during the National Fallen Firefighters Weekend. While these
ceremonies are in remembrance of lost loved ones and close friends who
have fallen while serving as fire and emergency personnel, it is also
an opportunity to show support for those who continue to put their
lives on the line, providing aid and protection for others.
This Memorial Service is conducted by the National Fallen
Firefighters Foundation, in partnership with FEMA's United States Fire
Administration. It is a national memorial service dedicated to all
fallen firefighters and emergency personnel.
House Joint Resolution 42 joins the Federal Government in praise and
prayers for our fallen heroes by lowering the American flag to half-
staff on the day of this memorial service.
Madam Speaker, every year, many of those actively participating in
fire and emergency services in America suffer debilitating injuries.
Between 1981 and 1999, Wisconsin lost 35 fire and emergency personnel,
including Mr. Dana R. Johnson and Mr. James Is-Berner, who will be
honored in 2002 at the National Fallen Firefighters Weekend.
Overall, during the same period of time, the National Fallen
Firefighters Foundation reports that America has lost 2,077 fire and
emergency personnel in the line of duty.
While the risks and dangers are reflected by the number of Americans
that have fallen while serving as fire and emergency personnel, the
number of those participating in this essential service to our
communities continues to grow. Currently, Madam Speaker, fire and
emergency personnel in America are 1.2 million people strong, and they
can be found in every community of every State and territory in our
Nation, where they respond to over 16 million emergency calls every
year.
While we can speculate on how to better fortify our homeland, it is
clear that our first line of domestic response is largely comprised of
fire and emergency personnel.
Nothing demonstrates the significance of fire and emergency personnel
more than their dedication and sacrifice in America's response to the
terrorist attacks of September 11. More than 300 fire and emergency
personnel died as a result of these attacks, and thousands of other
fire and emergency personnel are still digging through the rubble, a
dangerous task in and of itself. Of those still at the scene, it is
reported that over 1,500 have been injured.
Madam Speaker, the response of our fire and emergency personnel was
instantaneously initiated in the face of danger with the hope that
lives could be saved. President Bush has said that in the face of
terrorism, Americans must decide to live in fear or to live in freedom.
Our fire and emergency personnel fearlessly answered that question and
sent a clear message to the entire world: America will not be
intimidated.
While America has always recognized the emergency service that fire
and emergency personnel provide to our communities, on September 11,
all Americans joined in their bond. Although fire and emergency
personnel participate in career and voluntary positions with a variety
of skills that defy virtually every obstacle, each of these individuals
share a commonality, unity and brotherhood.
On September 11, we watched in utter disbelief as horrific terrorist
acts were committed before our very eyes. Most people did not realize
that our fire and emergency personnel had already begun to respond.
Shortly thereafter, it was clear that an act of war had been committed
against our Nation, and our fire and emergency personnel had begun
fearless rescue efforts to save their own and to save others that had
become victims of these attacks.
Madam Speaker, there is no siren or warning system for a response of
this magnitude. It is a call of nature, it is a call to danger, and it
is a way of life for the fire and emergency personnel in the United
States of America.
Finally, Madam Speaker, we can join in remembrance of all Americans
that have fallen while serving as fire and emergency personnel, and in
support of those who continue to serve or who join this noble effort by
voting in support of House Joint Resolution 42. I urge all of my
colleagues to take the time this weekend, the weekend for this year's
National Firefighters Memorial Service, to remember all those that have
given their lives serving as fire and emergency personnel, and in
support of all those who continue to provide this service.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as
I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the chairman and I would like to
thank the author of this legislation, the gentleman from Delaware (Mr.
Castle), legislation that was authored prior to September 11, but could
not be more fitting and more timely; that is, to memorialize fallen
firefighters by lowering the American flag to half-staff in honor of
the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Emmitsburg,
Maryland.
It is worth noting that 1,200,000 men and women comprise the American
fire and emergency services. It is particularly worth noting that in
this time that we have experienced, beginning
[[Page H6077]]
with the morning of September 11, 2001, how many Americans now will
turn toward those who have always offered their lives, their hearts,
and who have championed the cause of saving others and putting others
first before anyone else.
It is worth noting that these losses are faced not only in New York,
but also in the bravery of those who went to save lives in Somerset,
Pennsylvania, and, as well, those who saved lives and sought to save
lives at the Pentagon.
But we might just say that the devastation in New York so poignantly
causes us to reaffirm this commitment to the need to acknowledge our
firefighters. I believe that there is no more honor or no greater honor
than to acknowledge them and associate them with the flag of the United
States.
Some people may say that lighting candles and religious services and
paying homage to the flags and those we have lost will not allow us to
move forward, but I do believe it will give us a sense of unity and it
will bind us together, and acknowledge to those families that these are
very special people.
Might I cite to the Members a commentary in the New York Times about
what the New York firefighters are experiencing:
``The hasty patchwork does little to match the physical and emotional
devastation. The New York Fire Department lost 343 people of its 11,400
member force. One out of every 33 people on the force is listed as dead
or missing. The remains of 49 have been identified. The toll on the
Department is evident on the faces of firefighters throughout the city.
They drag themselves to funerals, sit stunned in station houses,
absorbing the losses, and pick depressingly through the gigantic debris
pile that holds the obliterated remains of their colleagues. But yet,
they go on.''
In the state of Texas, from 1981 to 1999, 107 firefighters were lost.
In the year 2000, 11 firefighters were lost, and several in the city of
Houston. So even before the tragic and horrific terrorist acts of
September 11, we knew about the dangerous and lifesaving work that our
Nation's firefighters perform every day.
Approximately one-third of all active fire and emergency service
personnel suffer debilitating injuries, making it one of the most
dangerous jobs in America. Since the attacks on the World Trade Center
and the Pentagon, where we watched firefighters risk and sacrifice
their own lives so others may live, it has become even more imperative
to honor firefighters who have died in the line of duty.
The losses to the New York Fire Department cannot go untold. As I
indicated, they lost 343, and one out of every 33 people on the force
is listed as dead or missing. Unfortunately, the rescue teams have
found the remains of fewer than 50 firefighters, and the losses in New
York affected both the rank and file and the elite firefighting units.
Chief Cassano of the Fire Department's Special Operations Commands
says his unit was decimated, having lost 95 of its 452 men. They are
having to promote individuals who would rather not be promoted to fill
in for the losses.
The losses suffered by the New York Fire Department are devastating,
to be sure. But even without an extraordinary catastrophe like that
which occurred at the World Trade Center, approximately 100
firefighters die in the line of duty each year. Last year alone, 11
firefighters were killed in my home State of Texas.
House Joint Resolution 42 was introduced in March, 2001, long before
the recent attacks, but this joint resolution could not be more timely.
This resolution would lower the flags on all Federal office buildings
each year to coincide with the annual memorial service for fallen
firefighters that takes place in the National Firefighters Memorial in
Emmitsburg, Maryland. Maybe this year we will see such memorials around
the country.
This year's service will take place on October 7 in a nationally-
televised ceremony. I can think of no better time to pass this
legislation to honor our Nation's fallen firefighters whose bravery and
courage saved lives every day.
I am very proud of Texas Task Force 1, a Texas group of firefighters
who went to New York to be of assistance, and I am very proud of my
community this past weekend at the Heights Fire Station, when we
gathered together to raise money for the Red Cross and firefighters,
and saw the pictures and recognized the need all over the country for
saluting our firefighters and certainly helping those fallen in New
York.
Going to ground zero myself this past Friday, I was able to see that
there are those who are still working, despite the obstruction, despite
the challenge, despite the sadness. Our hats are off to all of them.
I conclude, Madam Speaker, by reciting the fireman's prayer:
``When I'm called to duty, God, wherever flames may be
Give me the strength to save some life, whatever be its age;
Help me embrace a little child before it is too late
Or save an older person from the horror of their fate
Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout
And quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me
To guard my every neighbor and protect their property.
And if according to your will I lose my life
Please bless with protective hand
My children and my wife.''
This bill is a tribute to the fallen firefighters from Texas, from
New York, and from around the country who dedicate their lives to
saving the lives of others. I urge my colleagues to enthusiastically
support House Joint Resolution 42.
Even before the tragic and horrific terrorist attacks of September
11, we knew about the dangerous and life-saving work that our Nation's
firefighters perform every day. Approximately one-third of all active
fire and emergency services personnel suffer debilitating injuries--
making it one of the most dangerous jobs in America.
Since the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon--where
we watched firefighters risk and sacrifice their own lives so that
others may live--it has become even more imperative to honor
firefighters who have died in the line of duty.
The losses to the New York Fire Department cannot go untold. The NYFD
lost 343 people of its 11,400-member force in the September 11 attack.
One out of every 33 people on the force is listed as dead or missing.
Unfortunately, the rescue teams have found the remains of fewer than 50
firefighters.
And the losses in New York affected both the rank and file and the
elite firefighting units. Chief Cassano, of the FDNY's Special
Operations Command, said that his unit was ``decimated,'' having lost
95 of its 452 men.
The losses suffered by the New York Fire Department are devastating,
to be sure. But even without an extra-ordinary catastrophe, as that
which occurred at the World Trade Center, approximately 100
firefighters die in the line of duty each year. Last year alone, 11
firefighters were killed in my home state of Texas.
H.J. Res. 42 was introduced in March 2001--long before the recent
attacks. But this Joint Resolution couldn't be more timely. This
Resolution would lower the American flags on all federal office
buildings each year, to coincide with the annual memorial service for
fallen firefighters that takes place at the National Fallen
Firefighters' Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland. This year's service
will take place on October 7th in a nationally televised ceremony.
I can think of no better time to pass this legislation and honor our
Nation's fallen firefighters, whose bravery and courage save lives
every day.
In closing, I would like to recite the Firemen's Prayer.
When I'm called to duty God wherever flames may be
Give me the strength to save some life whatever be its age
Help me embrace a little child before it is too late
Or save an older person from the horror of that fate
Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout
And quickly and efficiently to put the fire out
I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me
To guard my every neighbor and protect their property
And if according to your will I lose my life
Please bless with protective hand
My children and my wife.
This bill is a tribute to the fallen firefighters from Texas, from
New York and from around the country who dedicate their life to saving
the lives of others.
I urge you to support H.J. Res. 42.
{time} 1445
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
[[Page H6078]]
Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman
from Delaware (Mr. Castle), the principal author of this resolution.
Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the
time, and I also rise today in strong support of the Fallen
Firefighters Act of 2001. As the author of the bill, I am proud to be
able to help honor our firefighters.
This legislation serves as a remembrance to the heroic men and women
who have died in the line of duty by requiring the American flag on all
Federal buildings to be lowered half staff one day each year on the
observance of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. This
year's service will be held this Sunday, October 7, in Emmitsburg,
Maryland, at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. President and
Mrs. Bush are scheduled to attend the ceremony.
This year's service will be especially emotional in the wake of the
terrorist attack on America where hundreds of brave men and women gave
their lives to save those of thousands of strangers. I have personally
visited the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and continue to be
amazed by the work these men and women continue to do on a daily basis
and the work they have done that has saved thousands upon thousands of
lives.
I continue to be touched as I attend numerous town ceremonies in the
wake of the tragedy by the support that both for firefighters in our
communities and their unwavering dedication to their communities,
fellow firefighters, and our country.
Firefighters provide one of the most valuable services imaginable to
this country and its people, that of saving lives and safeguarding our
precious lands. With integrity, firefighters preserve the safety in the
communities they serve with tireless dedication and commitment. These
heroes need to be recognized and thanked by all Americans, not just in
the wake of this horrible tragedy but to the nearly 1.2 million men and
women who serve our country as fire and emergency services personnel on
a daily basis. Firefighters are our first line of defense in both
natural and man-made disasters, walking into burning buildings and
battling forest fires with determination and defiance.
Approximately one-third of our Nation's finest suffer debilitating
injuries each year, making it one of the most dangerous jobs in
America. Furthermore, approximately 100 men and women die in the line
of duty every year. Many are volunteers. Since 1981, every state in
America, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, have lost
firefighters serving in the line of duty.
Since 1981 the names of 2,077 fallen fire heroes have been added to
the Roll of Honor. Ninety-six men and women who lost their lives in
2000 will be honored in October. This year the name of Arnold
Blankenship, Jr., of Greenwood, Delaware, will be placed on the 2000
memorial plaque. Sadly, Mr. Blankenship is not the first firefighter in
Delaware to be memorialized. He will join H. Thomas Tucker, James
Goode, Jr., W. Jack Northam, and Prince A. Mousley, Jr.
Lowering the flag on Federal buildings 1 day a year will remind all
Americans of the patriotic service and dedicated efforts of our fire
and emergency services personnel. In October 2002, the over 300
firefighters who lost their lives in the attack on America will also be
honored at the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service, along with
81 of their colleagues who also died in the line of duty during 2001,
and sadly, that number may grow by the end of this year.
It is important for this legislation to be in place to honor all of
these heroic men and women who have served our community and our
Nation. These men and women work tirelessly to protect and preserve the
lives and property of their fellow citizens. Through this legislation,
we can show our support and respect for America's fire heroes and those
who carry on the noble tradition of service.
We must always remember the contributions of all of our public safety
officers. In 1961 Congress passed a joint resolution honoring America's
police officers who died in the line of duty in recognition of their
dedicated service to their communities and amended it in 1994 to lower
the flag to half staff. Today, we take the first step in bestowing the
same respect on the 1.2 million fire and emergency services personnel
who also serve as public safety officers.
I would like to thank all the Members who sponsored this legislation,
and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and recognize
these heroic men and women.
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, can the Chair indicate how
much time we have remaining?
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Biggert). The gentlewoman from Texas
(Ms. Jackson-Lee) has 13\1/2\ minutes. The gentleman from Wisconsin
(Mr. Sensenbrenner) has 10\1/2\ minutes.
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield 7 minutes to the
distinguished gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), someone who has
often risen to this floor in support of the outstanding work of our
Nation's firefighters.
Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms.
Jackson-Lee) for her leadership on this committee. I thank the chairman
of the committee, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner), for
bringing this legislation to the floor, and I want to congratulate my
good friend, former governor of Delaware, the gentleman from Delaware
(Mr. Castle), for authoring this legislation.
I might say that the gentleman from Delaware has the honor of
representing probably one of the very best fire departments in America
and, indeed, the world. A service that is, I think, without denigrating
my Maryland firefighters in any way, without anybody surpassing them in
their role they play, not only in their community but in this country.
Madam Speaker, I have the honor of co-chairing the Fire Service
Caucus with my good friend, the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Fire Chief
Weldon, who temporarily is a Member of Congress for many years, but he
was a fire chief. He knows firsthand the dangers that exist. I have the
honor of being the honorary chief at Company 26 in Prince George's
County, Maryland.
I rise today in support of the gentleman from Delaware's resolution
to require the flying of the American flag at half staff to honor not
only all fallen firefighters but as well emergency medical response
teams who are in lock step with the fire fighters in responding to
crises.
The tragic events of the last month have, of course, reminded all of
us of the valor and sacrifice of our Nation's first responders. The
enormous loss of life would have been much higher if it were not for
their bravery, displayed on television just a few days ago.
In New York, as frightened citizens raced down the staircase of the
World Trade Center, firefighters raced up the staircases to fight the
2,000 degree fire; going at the fire, not from it. That fire was
engulfing the building. Their task was to evacuate the wounded. Sadly,
as we know, over 300, 343, as has been mentioned, lost their lives in
that fire and in the buildings' collapse.
They are mourned today, along with their colleagues, who died at
other fires and other emergencies. This weekend, I and many of my
colleagues will go to Emmitsburg, Maryland, to attend the National
Fallen Firefighters Memorial annual observance. There we will add the
names of 101 firefighters from 38 States who were killed in the line of
duty in the year 2000. In one 120-minute period, we lost three and a
half times as many firefighters and emergency response personnel and
police as we lost in all of 2000. That is the magnitude of what
happened on September 11.
Madam Speaker, there was a newspaper ad in today's paper, and it
said, ``The True Badges of Courage.'' We have all heard about the Red
Badge of Courage. We have all heard it said, ``that is a badge of
courage.'' The true badges of courage are those worn by our police
personnel, those worn by our fire personnel, and those worn by our
emergency medical response teams. These men and women who died last
year may not have died in a terrorist incident, but their sacrifice is
equally great and equally tragic. This resolution honors them and those
that will follow, and I urge all of my colleagues to support the
measure.
Now, Madam Speaker, let me add this. The gentleman from New Jersey
[[Page H6079]]
(Mr. Pascrell), the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon), the
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews), the gentleman from Delaware
(Mr. Castle), myself, and many others, as well as all of the people on
the floor here supported the Fire Act, which we passed as a part of the
defense authorization bill last year. And in that context, we
appropriated $100 million, $100 million for over 32,000 fire companies
in America. There have been, I think I am correct, $3.5 billion worth
of requests for training, for equipment, and for HAZMAT training,
equipment to deal with hazardous materials.
Flying the flag at half-staff is an appropriate thing for us to do;
but, my colleagues, as we vote on this resolution, I trust that we will
also commit ourselves to, at a minimum, adding $50 million as we
consider the VA-HUD appropriations bill. We need not only to add the 50
million additional dollars that were put in the Senate bill to get that
fund to $150 million, but we are authorized at $300 million.
The firefighters and emergency responders of America need better
training and better equipment. We give billions of dollars to law
enforcement throughout this country. It is right and proper that we do
so. But we have seen a dramatic example of how critical the fire
service and emergency medical response teams are in league with our law
enforcement officials. My hope is that as we appropriate funds to
ensure that America can respond to terrorism or to other calamities,
that we will empower our firefighting personnel and emergency response
teams to do so with as much safety to themselves and much effectiveness
on behalf of the safety of others as we can possibly do.
And so I rise in strong support of this resolution. And we ought to
salute that flag when we see it at half-staff and remember those who
have fallen as they responded to the call to save lives, protect
property, and make America a safer place. But let us also remember that
we need to invest more of our treasure in protecting our firefighters
and emergency response teams and giving them better equipment and
better training to do their jobs better so that America, our
communities, our schools, and our homes will be safer places.
Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee)
for her leadership, as well as the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr.
Sensenbrenner); and, clearly, I thank the gentleman from Delaware (Mr.
Castle) for honoring the Emmitsburg event, but we need to honor
Emmitsburg's 1-day event for the other 364 days of the year as well.
Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman
from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon), who was a fire chief before his
election to Congress and who, together with me, are the only Members of
Congress that own Dalmations, the firefighters' mascot.
Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for
yielding me this time and would now tell him that I am the proud owner
of my third Dalmation. He has two; I now have three. So we are part of
the Dalmation Caucus.
I rise in strong support of this legislation, Madam Speaker. We have
to ask the basic question: Who are the firefighters? We think they are
the people that put out the fires. They are older than the country is
itself. The first fire department was formed 250 years ago. They are in
every community, 32,000 departments. But they do not just fight the
fires. They are the first in on the floods, the hurricanes, the
tornadoes, and the earthquakes. They rescue the cats in the trees. They
pump the cellars out when they are flooded. When a child is lost, they
are the first ones to organize a search party.
{time} 1500
The places where they work are where the Boy Scout troops meet and
the Girl Scout troops meet. It is where you vote on election day. They
organize the parades, the July 4 celebrations. They are the heart and
soul of America. There is no single group of people in this country,
none, that does what our firefighters do.
Eighty-five percent of them are volunteers. Imagine, Madam Speaker,
having our police department hold a chicken dinner to raise the money
to buy a police car. Imagine asking our highway department to have a
tag day to buy the garbage truck. Yet, all across America, fire
departments, many of them volunteer, go out and scrape to raise the
dollars to protect their towns.
They are now being asked to deal with unbelievable disasters. The
World Trade Center is the epitome of what can occur, but they were
there. I was on the scene Friday when it happened. I was talking to the
head of the local union, Kevin Gallaher, and to the national president,
Harold Schaitberger. They said firefighters have made it to the 80th
floor to rescue people coming down.
The least we can do is to have our country pay tribute to them. The
least we can do is do what my colleague said and start to fund them at
somewhere near the level that our military and police officers get. Our
military gets $300 billion a year. Our police officers get $4 billion a
year from the Federal Government. The amount of money our fire and
emergency service workers get is $100 million for the first time this
year. We can do better.
I support this legislation. I congratulate my good friend and
colleague and my other good friend and colleague and the chairman of
the committee. I ask my colleagues to vote for the flag but vote for
the support of our America's heroes, our fire and EMS personnel.
Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the
gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella).
Mrs. MORELLA. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman, for yielding me
time. I thank the gentleman for bringing this bill to the floor. Madam
Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) for her
leadership.
I certainly want to rise in strong support of memorializing fallen
firefighters by lowering the American flag to half-staff in honor of
the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Emittsburg,
Maryland.
Madam Speaker, I would like to commend the gentleman from Delaware
(Mr. Castle) for introducing this legislation, which I hope will have
unanimous support of this House. These brave men and women have given
the ultimate sacrifice in answering the call to help.
Yesterday, with some other Members of the House, I visited New York
City and saw ground zero for the first time. It is indeed ground hero.
The devastation was more than ever could have been envisioned, and I
know I will never forget what I saw there.
What is even more indelibly stamped in my mind is the obvious
evidence of heroism that has taken place at that site. We all know of
the heroic actions made by firefighters and rescue workers in the
moments after the planes first struck the towers. But they have
continued to compromise their safety since September 11 while searching
the World Trade Center for survivors and in aiding in the monumental
clean-up efforts.
Words cannot express our gratitude for their hard work and their
sacrifice during these difficult times. As a matter of fact, 343 of
these firefighters became victims themselves.
The bravery that New York has demonstrated during these times is also
occurring here in the Washington, D.C. area. Firefighters, police, and
other search and rescue workers have been working at the Pentagon to
support our Nation's recovery efforts. I visited with rescue workers
there shortly after the terrible tragic event occurred and noted their
search for potential survivors of the terrorist attacks. The courageous
workers at the Pentagon, and I want to single out the Montgomery
County, Maryland, Urban Search and Rescue Team, 70 strong, like the
rescue workers in New York, demonstrated selfless acts of heroism as
they searched for survivors of the tragedy.
All of these rescue workers during this tragedy, like all
firefighters and rescue workers before and since, endure the shock,
sadness and loss that we all feel from witnessing horrific events.
However, they preserve, through the experience, working hard to meet
the needs of our neighbors and friends who have been personally
impacted by devastating events, such as the attacks on September 11.
They persevere. We should certainly give them credit.
This gesture of memorializing fallen firefighters by lowering the
American
[[Page H6080]]
flag to half-staff is an important way of honoring those individuals
who have valiantly given the ultimate sacrifice to protect their
neighbors. Therefore, I do urge all Members to support this
legislation, to help to remember our fallen firefighters by lowering
the American flag to half-staff in honor of the National Fallen
Fighters Memorial Service in Emittsburg, Maryland, and to remember them
in our prayers.
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), the ranking member of the
Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency Organization of the Committee
on Government Reform.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the gentlewoman
for yielding me time.
I want to associate myself with the very passionate, pointed and
eloquent remarks of all of those who have spoken.
It occurs to me, as it does all of us, that during and since
September 11 when the terrorist attack took place, we have seen many
indications of heroics. We have seen many people rise to the occasion.
But, of course, firefighters rise to the occasion each and every day of
their lives, whether there is a national crisis or not. They wake up in
the morning, knowing that they are going to an uncertain future. I
commend all of those who would pause, stop for a moment, and pay
tribute to these men and women. It seems to me there is nothing less we
could do than to make sure that there is adequate compensation and
appropriated resources for their needs.
Finally, I remember a poem that I grew up listening to, ``The Charge
of the Light Brigade.'' It seems to me that the words of that poem
suggested that ``Their's not to reason why, their's but to do and die .
. . into the jaws of Death . . . they rode.
Madam Speaker, these men and women ride or walk each and every day
into an uncertain future. They are to be commended, and I commend the
author of this legislation.
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as
I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his eloquent support of this
legislation; and finally say, firefighters appeared on September 11 at
the World Trade Centers, Pentagon, and Somerset, Pennsylvania, as they
appear in our neighborhoods around the Nation.
I thank the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle) and his cosponsors
for this legislation and associate myself with the remarks of the
distinguished gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon) and the
distinguished gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) and advocate for
greater funding for the fire act. We must do no less, for when I went
home, my firefighters asked me about greater funding. I believe the
tragic events of September 11, along with this very important
legislation, refocuses on these valiant heroes who offer their lives
every day. We must fund them at the maximum amount. I ask support for
H.J. Res. 42.
Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of
H.J. Res. 42, which would require American flags on all federal office
buildings to be lowered to half-staff in honor of the annual National
Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Emittsburg, Maryland.
H.J. Res. 42 recognizes the over 300 New York firefighters who gave
their lives to save others during the terrorist attack on the World
Trade Center. According to the International Association of Fire
Fighters, more public safety officers were lost in the terrorist attack
on the United States than any other single event in modern history.
What happened at the World Trade Center will live in our memories
forever. We can be proud that at a time of great peril, New York's
firefighters answered the call. They conducted themselves with a
selflessness and dedication that does credit to themselves, their city,
and their country.
This resolution also recognizes the heroic firefighters in every
small town and suburb and big city across America who gave their lives.
Last year in Michigan alone, four firefighters died in duty-related
incidents. Each of these deaths is a tragedy for family, friends, and
community.
I will not forget their sacrifice, and neither will America. This
resolution honors all those who gave their lives to protect their
communities. I urge my colleagues to support it.
Mr. GILMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.J. Res. 42,
resolving that each year the American flags on U.S. Federal buildings
will fly at half staff in memory of our Nation's fallen firefighters.
As our Nation moves forward with steadfast resolve in the wake of the
recent terrorist attacks, we remember the bravery and selfless
sacrifices of all the men and women in uniform who rushed in to save
their fellow citizens in emergency situations throughout the history of
our great Nation. On average, our Nation loses over 100 firefighters in
the line of duty each year. This sad statistic will regrettably
increase at least threefold this year.
In my own district we lost over 35 firefighters and police officers
in the barbaric September 11th attacks on New York. That is more
firefighters in one day from one congressional district than the entire
state of New York lost between 1998 and 2000. The grief and anger which
we share with the families of our firefighters, police officers, and
fellow citizens strengthens our collective resolve. We are comforted by
the undaunted courage of our fallen firefighters and the love and
dedication they had for their chosen profession.
Many more will follow proudly and courageously in this uncommon
profession. Many more may have to pay the ultimate sacrifice. It is a
small but proper tribute to these brave men and women that we ask our
nation to remember their sacrifices by lowering our nation's flag in
their memory. Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to fully support this
important, timely bill.
Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Madam Speaker, certainly, nothing will memorialize
the courageous and outstanding firefighters of this nation, more than
the vivid pictures of them responding so selflessly, endangering and
too often sacrificing their own lives to save those placed in peril by
the terrorists actions of September 11th. Their heroism continues even
today, and will be evident far into the future in their addressing of
this tragedy as it is in the everyday lives of all Americans.
I am proud of the work of our Virgin Island firefighters, who have
worked tirelessly and with inadequate and substandard equipment to
protect the property and the lives of my constituents. That is why our
offices worked so hard to bring them badly needed equipment dollars. I
thank FEMA for hearing our pleas, and providing close to $1 million to
provide the tools they need to do the job they have committed
themselves to.
We are deeply and forever indebted to the over 300 firefighters who
did not make it out of the World Trade building and eventual debris
alive. We are also indebted to their families. I also thank the VI
firefighters for their raising funds for their families and traveling
to New York City to offer support and help. We also today and this week
remember all of our nation's firemen and women who have fallen in the
line of duty.
As ranking member of the Subcommittee on Parks Recreation, and Public
Lands I want to especially remember those who have given their lives in
fighting fires in our nations parks and public lands, and in protecting
them and neighboring properties.
So I gladly join my colleagues in support of H.J. Res. 42
memorializing fallen firefighters by lowering the American flag to half
staff in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in
Emittsburg Maryland.
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of
my time.
Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my
time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Biggert). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) that the
House suspend the rules and pass the joint resolution, H.J.Res. 42, as
amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of
those present have voted in the affirmative.
Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
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