[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 132 (Thursday, October 4, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H6265]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          RETURN TO THE SKIES

  (Mr. GIBBONS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GIBBONS. Madam Speaker, today Washington, D.C. Ronald Reagan 
National Airport reopened, a reopening that reflects the freedom to 
access the world's seat of democracy. This is yet another sign that our 
country is recovering and we will not cower to the threat of terrorism.
  I applaud the administration for their commitment to assuring the 
American public and that it is safe to return to the skies. Washington, 
D.C., like other favorite tourist destinations in our great Nation, 
welcomes millions of visitors every year and the reopening of Ronald 
Reagan National Airport will once again allow people to travel from the 
farthest corners of the world to see our Nation at work, to see our 
Nation's capital and to see democracy at work.
  Our Nation is strong. Our resolve is strong. Madam Speaker, we will 
not allow terrorists to shut down our airports, our society or our 
freedoms. I encourage everyone to battle terrorism individually by 
returning to their normal day-to-day work routines and to enjoy the 
freedoms of travel and enjoy their lives as Americans.

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