[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 147 (Tuesday, October 30, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H7383-H7387]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
EXPRESSING PROFOUND SORROW OF THE CONGRESS FOR DEATH AND INJURIES
SUFFERED BY FIRST RESPONDERS IN AFTERMATH OF TERRORIST ATTACKS ON
SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree
to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 233) expressing the profound
sorrow of the Congress for the death and injuries suffered by first
responders as they endeavored to save innocent people in the aftermath
of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on
September 11, 2001.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Con. Res. 233
Whereas law enforcement officers, firefighters, and
emergency medical personnel are collectively known as first
responders;
Whereas following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade
Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, first
responders reacted immediately in evacuating and rescuing
innocent people from the buildings;
Whereas first responders also arrived quickly at the crash
site of United Airlines flight 93 in southwestern
Pennsylvania;
Whereas if it were not for the heroic efforts of first
responders immediately after the terrorist attacks, numerous
additional casualties would have resulted from the attacks;
Whereas as the first emergency personnel to arrive at the
scenes of the terrorist attacks, first responders risked
their lives in their efforts to save others;
Whereas while first responders were bravely conducting the
evacuation and rescue after the terrorist attack on the World
Trade Center, the two towers of that complex collapsed, and
many first responders themselves became victims of the
attack;
Whereas the everyday well-being, security, and safety of
Americans depend upon the official duties of first
responders;
Whereas in addition to their official duties, first
responders around the Nation participate in planning,
training, and exercises to respond to terrorist attacks;
Whereas emergency managers, public health officials, and
medical care providers also invest significant time in
planning, training, and exercises to better respond to
terrorist attacks in the United States;
Whereas the Nation has not forgotten the heroic efforts of
first responders after the bombing of the World Trade Center
on February 26, 1993, and the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah
Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on April 19,
1995;
Whereas there are numerous Federal programs that help
prepare first responders from across the Nation, including
the Domestic Preparedness Program and other training and
exercise programs administered by the Department of Justice;
Whereas there are also domestic preparedness programs
administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency,
which together with the programs of the Department
[[Page H7384]]
of Justice support State and local first responders with
funding, training, equipment acquisition, technical
assistance, exercise planning, and execution;
Whereas many of the first responders who participate in
such programs do so on their own time;
Whereas an effective response of local first responders to
a terrorist attack saves lives; and
Whereas in response to a terrorist attack, first responders
are exposed to a high risk of bodily harm and death as the
first line of defense of the United States in managing the
aftermath of the attack: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That the Congress--
(1) expresses its profound sorrow for the death and
injuries suffered by first responders as they endeavored to
save innocent people in the aftermath of the terrorist
attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on
September 11, 2001;
(2) expresses its deepest sympathies to the families and
loved ones of the fallen first responders;
(3) honors and commends the first responders who
participated in evacuating and rescuing the innocent people
in the World Trade Center and the Pentagon after the
terrorist attacks;
(4) encourages the President to issue a proclamation
calling upon the people of the United States to pay respect
to the first responder community for their service in the
aftermath of the terrorist attacks and their continuing
efforts to save lives; and
(5) encourages all levels of government to continue to work
together to effectively coordinate emergency preparedness by
providing the infrastructure, funding, and interagency
communication and cooperation necessary to ensure that when
another terrorist attack occurs, first responders will be as
prepared as possible to respond to the attack effectively.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Costello)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette).
Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Madam Speaker, I would first note that H. Con. Res. 233 was
discharged from committee consideration and has been expeditiously
brought to the floor for immediate action. Although this is not the
normal process, in the interest of time the committee will occasionally
discharge consideration, particularly for a measure as important as
this. What the House will do in the next 40 minutes is important, and
we will discuss, and this piece of legislation will honor true American
heroes.
H. Con. Res. 233 recognizes the sacrifice and dedication of all of
the emergency responders who risked their lives assisting in relief
efforts following the terrorist attacks of September 11. Tragically,
many of these initial responders became victims of the attacks and did
not survive the collapse of the World Trade Center. Three hundred
forty-three firefighters, 23 police officers, and 74 members of the
Port Authority are all dead and many are still missing. Twenty-eight
engine companies suffered losses in New York, and another 25 ladder
companies. The Fire Department lost its chaplain and its heroic chief.
In fact, Madam Speaker, so many commanders were lost that fateful
morning that Mayor Giuliani needed to promote 168 new officers 2 days
later. The sense of duty that these heroic men and women felt on the
morning of September 11 is nothing short of extraordinary. Those on-
duty, off-duty, retired, on medical leave and on vacation rushed to the
scene. One group of firefighters even commandeered a city bus in order
to get to the scene. They went in so thousands more could get out.
James Coyle, who was a rookie firefighter at age 26, was on vacation.
He rushed to the scene to join Ladder Company No. 3 that morning and it
cost him his life. Walwyn Stuart had left his job as a New York City
narcotics cop when his wife became pregnant. He wanted safer work and
he joined the Port Authority police. The morning of September 11 he was
on duty at the PATH station at the World Trade Center. He helped
evacuate the station and then went into the North Tower to save others.
He has left behind a wife and a 1-year-old daughter.
James Corrigan, the World Trade Center fire marshal, is credited with
leading a team of his men to get dozens of children out of day care
facilities that morning. He and five of his colleagues died, but not
before saving the children, some of whom were trapped because the exits
near the day care center were clogged with folks trying to rush out of
the building. Corrigan and his men broke through windows and carried
the children through shattered glass to safety before rushing back in
to help others.
Madam Speaker, there are so many stories of heroism and courage that
have fortified our country since September 11. Americans have the most
profound respect for our police and firefighters before and certainly
now. These men and women were the first in, and to this day the
rescuers have paused only to honor the dead and the missing. There are
countless stories of firefighters having their charred, melted boots
cut off their feet, of having their wounds bandaged and then defying
doctors' orders and returning, battered and exhausted, to Ground Zero
to try to find that one living miracle.
As a Nation, we are awed and humbled by their courage, their effort
and their sacrifice. We thank those who rushed into the fiery World
Trade Center and the Pentagon and rose to the challenge that was the
core of their everyday lives and their beloved professions. We grieve
for all those rescue workers who gave their lives, for the 4,700
innocent victims of this abhorrent terrorist attack, and for the family
members and friends who are left behind.
So many lives were changed forever that morning. Fathers, mothers,
sons, husbands, wives, daughters, coworkers and friends were lost.
Those moments of terror forever changed the landscape of too many
families in this country. Jean Palombo of Brooklyn, who was the wife of
Frank Palombo of Ladder Company 105, became a widow at the age of 41.
She is today left to raise 10 children, ages 11 months to 15 years,
eight boys and two girls. Gigi Nelson was 8 months pregnant with her
first child when her husband, Peter, went into the World Trade Center
that morning. He was working overtime with Rescue Company No. 4 on
September 11 to help out with the expenses of the new baby. Twenty-five
days after the World Trade Center collapsed, Peter Nelson's first
child, daughter Lyndsi Ann, was born. When she is old enough, Madam
Speaker, she will learn of her father's heroism.
These children and so many others will grow up knowing what America
knows, that their parents were heroes in the purest sense of the word.
It is fitting that we take this opportunity to consider H. Con. Res.
233 to pay tribute to those first responders who perished while doing
their jobs and while saving so many others.
I urge my colleagues to join in support of this resolution.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
{time} 1630
Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to join the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr.
Watts) and many of our colleagues in strong support of this
legislation.
House Concurrent Resolution 233 honors and commends the first
responders who responded to the call to evacuate and rescue thousands
of people at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the crash site
of United Flight 93 in Pennsylvania following the horrific events of
September 11.
This resolution also expresses our profound sorrow for the emergency
service personnel who were injured or perished on September 11 and
extends our sympathy to their families. It encourages the President of
the United States to issue a proclamation calling upon the American
people to support our emergency service workers and encourages all
levels of government to continue to work together to coordinate
emergency preparedness.
These first responders, our firefighters, law enforcement officers
and emergency medical service personnel, risked and gave their lives so
that others could get to safety.
In the immediate days following the attack, thousands of the first
responders rushed to offer assistance, and many are still working
around the clock at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. We are
very appreciative for what they have done and continue to do. Without
their help, many more would have been injured or perished.
[[Page H7385]]
Our Nation's emergency preparedness is dependent upon our local first
responders. Federal programs within FEMA and the Department of Justice
help prepare and support first responder programs, but the strength of
the program nationwide is that the service providers are local. They
are often volunteers, and each of them is highly involved in their
community.
I strongly encourage all levels of government to work together to
more effectively plan and coordinate our Nation's domestic terrorism
programs. As we have witnessed, the emergency responders are our first
line of defense in the aftermath of a terrorist incident. It is
critical that our Nation and our national preparedness programs assist
our local first responders by providing them with the best information,
training, and equipment.
Madam Speaker, our Nation's first responders deserve our gratitude
for their heroic work on September 11 and what they do to protect and
help all of us and our families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days
a year. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time
as he may consume to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watts), the
author of House Concurrent Resolution 233.
Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend from Ohio for
yielding me time.
Madam Speaker, I rise to honor and respect and pay homage to the
brave American firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical
professionals who suffered injury and death as they helped those in
need during the terrorist attack on our Nation.
September 11, 2001, stirs many feelings to many people. I feel happy
to be an American. Witnessing the heroic actions by these first
responders shows that even in the face of senseless violence, there can
be good. Knowing that so many people came to the aid of their neighbors
proves there is so much goodness in this great land that we all call
home.
Just like the first responders 6 years ago in Oklahoma City, the
emergency personnel in Manhattan, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon
have done yeomen's work under the most difficult of circumstances. No
one woke up that morning to know what would lie ahead. No one had
warning or time to prepare that day. It was an immediate reaction of
aid and rescuers, a life-saving effort of service to their country.
To the families of the fallen, nothing can bring back the lives of
loved ones. But Congress today expresses its profound sorrow while
offering its bottomless gratitude. We are sorry you are suffering over
the loss of your family and friends. We are grateful for the heroism
exhibited by first responders who put their country, their duty and
their love of their neighbors before themselves.
The stories will be told for many years to come. There will be new
anecdotes, new names and new faces. They will inspire generations of
young first responders and offer reflection for all citizens alike.
First responders plan and train for mass casualties every day, hoping
the need for such large and difficult rescue efforts remains an
exercise. But September 11 was real. The loss of life and injury to
first responders was real. The attacks on our Nation were real.
First responders will be there on the frontline for future tragedies.
They will work night and day to rescue and assist the afflicted and the
affected and the injured. We must never forget the work that they do.
We must never forget the sacrifices that they make.
I thank my colleagues, and especially the gentleman from New York
(Mr. Engel), who has cosponsored this resolution with me; and I urge
all Members to support this tribute to the first responders who made
the ultimate sacrifice during their service to our Nation.
Madam Speaker, I close by just reminding how often in the year 2001
in today's society, we often throw around the word hero, and we are
pretty cavalier about the word hero. But if you want to go and see a
real live hero, go look at the men and women who put on the uniforms
every day to serve in our fire departments around the country, some on
a volunteer basis, those men and women who put on the police uniforms
every single day. I might add I am pretty proud to say my father was a
police officer, so I know the sacrifices that those men and women make,
the selfless commitment that they make to our communities, to our
States, to our Nation.
On behalf of a grateful Nation, we say thank you to all of those
first responders who go out every day and show us what real heroes are
all about.
Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from
New York (Mr. Engel).
Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding me time; and
I thank my colleague, the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watts), for
working with me on this resolution, as we have worked on so many other
things in the past and will continue to do so in the future.
This resolution was being put together prior to the events of
September 11, but the events of September 11 have made us realize even
more how fortunate we are to have the first responders. First
responders obviously did not start on September 11. They have been
there with us for all time; and we are very, very deeply grateful.
The events of September 11 will be with us always. My thoughts and
prayers are with all the families affected by this terrible tragedy.
Though my heart is heavy, my spirits have been lifted by the incredible
heroism and outpouring of support that we have witnessed since that
day.
The American spirit has not been diminished. Instead, it has been
energized. On behalf of New York, I want to sincerely thank my
colleagues and the American people for their outpouring of support to
all of us during these very, very difficult times.
I am so pleased to be here today and have the House of
Representatives considering this resolution. It is, of course, timely
and, of course, very warranted.
I think it is particularly poignant that the gentleman from Oklahoma
(Mr. Watts) is the sponsor of this resolution. I am proud to be a
sponsor with him. The people of Oklahoma also know personally of the
tragedy of terrorism.
I do not know of anyone who does not get choked up when we hear the
stories of people rushing away from the World Trade Center on the
terrible day of September 11. But when they were rushing away, they
were passing firefighters and police officers and emergency medical
personnel who were running toward the World Trade Center. These first
responders did not think of their own lives; they thought of saving
other lives.
So this resolution honors and commends the first responders, law
enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel,
who participated in evacuating and rescuing people at the World Trade
Center and the Pentagon after the terrorist attacks on September 11. It
also expresses Congress' profound sorrow for the deaths and injuries
suffered by first responders and extends its deepest sympathies to the
families and loved ones of those who died.
I might say I visited ground zero a number of times and have again
been overwhelmed by the outpouring of first responders again trying to
pick through the rubble and trying to help and just trying to give
comfort. First responders, ironworkers, my dad was an ironworker for 40
years. It is something that really makes us proud to be Americans,
proud to be New Yorkers.
Like so many people, like so many New Yorkers, I have been personally
affected by the attacks. My good friend and constituent, Sally
Reganhard, lost her son Christian, who was also my constituent.
Christian was a firefighter for only 6 weeks in New York City, and on
September 11 he responded to the call of duty as he had during those
past 6 weeks. We memorialized him last Friday at St. Patrick's
Cathedral in New York. It was very, very difficult. There were
thousands and thousands of people there, and firefighters from all
around the country and Canada.
Although my friend is very sad, indeed she and I and everyone who
knew Christian are also very proud. He will always be with us and will
always be a great role model and hero, again, as will all the other
first responders who responded on those days.
All Americans owe so much to these brave men and women that Congress
is
[[Page H7386]]
taking the time to recognize. It is the least we can do. Again I want
to thank all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who have done so
much to make this resolution a reality. We will continue to provide aid
and comfort to those who suffered the terrible tragedies of September
11.
Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time
as he may consume to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest).
Mr. GILCHREST. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me
time.
I want to thank the chairman and ranking member and the staff on both
sides for bringing this resolution to the floor in what really is a
timely manner for us to say a few words to, in the way we can, to honor
those people who went to the tragedy to save lives and to comfort the
afflicted.
Whether they were firemen or policemen or medical personnel or just
an average citizen responding to a tragedy, they responded in a way to
save lives. They responded in a way to comfort those who were injured.
They did not respond to political ideology, they did not respond to
religious differences, they did not respond to the cultural divide that
separates us from much of the rest of the world. They responded, pure
and simple, to human suffering, human tragedy and human need. This is
what we come here today to honor.
It is very difficult for us to comprehend the madness that caused
this tragedy. That is in fact pervasive and persistent in a tiny
fraction of the human population. But it is easy to understand why so
many brave men and women gave their lives on that tragic morning of
September 11. It is easy for us, and we should always remember the
unity of purpose for which they gave their lives and for which we are
here this afternoon honoring that courage and that strength. It is for
those young men and women, those middle-aged men and women, and those
senior citizens that gave their lives that morning and for their
friends and for their relatives and for America, to never forget. We
will prevail.
Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and
I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Madam Speaker, to briefly close, we want to thank on the subcommittee
and the full committee the work of the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr.
Watts) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) for bringing this
important piece of legislation to our attention. We want to thank the
leadership of our committee, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr.
Oberstar) and the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), for making sure it
is being expeditiously considered.
Madam Speaker, there are some things that you do not think you are
going to see in life. Many in this Chamber and have had the opportunity
to visit the carnage at the Pentagon and what was the World Trade
Center, what is known as ground zero, but no one in this Chamber was
there as it was occurring. But the men and women that we honor with H.
Con. Res. 233 were in fact there.
I was struck, I come from a small town, I know my ranking member, the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Costello), does not come from a big area
like the gentleman from New York City (Mr. Engel), but from time to
time in our local newspapers we will see a display such as it this, and
it will be the smiling graduating class of a police or fire academy.
{time} 1645
On September 23, this ran in The New York Times. Madam Speaker, these
faces are the faces of those who died in an attempt to save others, not
just an attempt, they saved countless others on the morning of
September 11. It is not until that we can look at two full pages in the
newspaper of lives that were full and vibrant prior to that morning of
September 11 that we recognize again not only the gravity of what these
terrorists have done to our country, but the raw courage of the first
responders and the fire, the police and the Port Authority of New York
City and in Washington, D.C. as well. So I am certain that every one of
our colleagues will support this legislation, and I urge them to do
that.
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con.
Res. 233. Passage of this resolution pays proper respect to those brave
public servants who were first to arrive at the World Trade Center and
the Pentagon after the events that unfolded September 11, 2001.
Madam Speaker, it has been nearly two months since the Nation was
shocked into a new reality by agents of terror. In the days and weeks
following these events, Americans of all races and creeds have been
impressed with both the magnitude of the task those who responded first
had to perform and the valor with which these public servants performed
their duties.
People all over the world have taken to calling these men and women
heroes because of their selflessness, and this body should be no
exception. It is fitting, then that we take time here today to honor
those heroes. Those first to respond must hear clearly that America
says thank you. Those first responders who were injured or lost their
lives must also be recognized. To those brave public servants and their
families I say, ``thank you for all you have sacrificed for this
nation.''
Madam Speaker we find ourselves in a new war. In this new war, we
must develop new levels of respect for those who choose to save lives
for a living. The contribution they have chosen to make to society has
taken on a renewed importance. It is therefore of the utmost importance
that we continue to find ways to integrate the actions of the various
civic, state and federal institutions whose personnel must coordinate
actions at the scene of a tragedy.
This Congress is united in its support for those citizens whose job
it is to save the day. We thank you and honor you for the work that you
have done, and we ask that God continue to bless you as we face this
uncertain future.
Mr. CRAWLEY. Madam Speaker, first I would like to thank Congressman
Watts and my friend, Congressman Engel of New York for sponsoring this
important resolution.
Who are first responders?
First responders are the brave policemen and women who raced to the
scene of these horrific crimes against humanity. They are the firemen
and women who raced to crumbling buildings veiled in stinging smoke and
filled with fire without any thought to their personal safety. They
were the emergency rescue personnel, EMT's, that perished in last
month's terrorist attacks so that others may live.
I do not think it is not an overstatement to say that the American
spirit is embodied in the way these brave men and women lived and died.
What makes a nation great?
Our nation is built upon the principle that all men and women are
created equal and free. Our government institutions, our economic might
and our preeminent military strength all make America an envied model.
But they are more the result than the cause of greatness.
The true source of our greatness is a national spirit that imbues so
many with the will to give what Abraham Lincoln called, ``the last full
measure of devotion.'' Defending a cause larger than one's self.
Risking their lives so that others may be saved. That is what these men
and women did, and I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring these
fallen heroes.
This bill is in memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
May we always remember those who died so that others may live. And may
we honor these brave men and women for their last full measure of
devotion.
Mr. GILMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res.
233, expressing Congress' profound sorrow for the death and injuries
suffered by first responders in the aftermath of the September 11
Terrorist attacks.
As our Nation resolutely moves forward 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 the myriad emergency situations which arose from the
September 11th barbaric, terrorist attacks on our Nation.
In my own district we lost over 35 firefighters and policeofficers in
the September 11th attacks on New York, in addition to over 65 next of
kin. These brave first responders paid the ultimate sacrifice in the
valiant execution of their duties and their heroism will remain an
enduring legacy to our Nation. We must never forget that thousands of
innocent American citizens were saved by the actions of these first
responders. We thank and honor them for their service to their country
and to their fellow citizens. Accordingly I urge my colleagues to
support this important measure.
Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Madam Speaker, with this resolution we honor
those who on September 11 paid the ultimate sacrifice--the
firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and police who are the first
to arrive at the scene of an emergency, and the last to leave.
According to the International Association of Fire Fighters, more
public safety officers were lost in the attack on the United States
yesterday than any other single event in modern history.
[[Page H7387]]
As the Nation mourns the deaths of thousands of our fellow citizens,
as we take stock of the destruction caused by last week's terrorist
attacks, we should also pause for a moment to reflect on the brave men
and women in New York City who put their lives on the line to protect
fellow citizens.
In every small town and suburb and big city across America, there are
people just like the over 300 first responders who gave their lives in
New York. In Michigan, we too have experienced the loss of emergency
personnel. Last year alone, four Michigan firefighters lost their
lives. Each of these deaths is a tragedy for family, friends, and
community.
What happened at the World Trade Center in New York will live in our
memories forever. We can be proud that at a time of great peril, the
Nation's first responders answered the call, conducting themselves with
a selflessness and dedication that does credit to themselves, their
city, and their country.
Many thousands of people would not be alive today if it were not for
the heroic efforts of these men and women. In one of the country's
darkest hours, they kept faith with their colleagues, with those in
need, and with their country.
Our Nation's founders were deeply committed to the idea that the
individual had an obligation to serve the community. The Nation's first
responders live this ideal every day. They lived it again on September
11, and because they did, they gave their lives.
While we have cause to mourn these deaths, we should also celebrate
the values their lives exhibited, values that represent the very best
of America.
We have suffered a grievous loss. But the wonderful thing about
America is that we will bounce back. For every firefighter who fell on
September 11, someone else will take his place. For every emergency
responder who paid with his life, another will emerge. For every police
and port authority officer who fell in the line of duty, another
citizen will answer the call. That is the American way.
On September 11, the Nation's firefighters showed the world what
courage means. If we expect the fire services--many of whom depend on
volunteers--to deal with terrorist attacks, we have a responsibility to
provide them with the help they need so that they can continue to
protect lives and property.
Madam Speaker, as a member of the conference on the defense
authorization bill, I will be pushing for a large increase in the
authorized funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program to
$1 billion for each fiscal years 2002, 2003, and 2004.
Our thoughts and our prayers are with the families of the fallen
heroes to whom we owe so much. God bless those who have died, God bless
their families, and God bless America.
Mr. WALSH. Madam Speaker, I also rise in support of this resolution
sponsored by Congressmen Engel and Watts, that expresses our profound
sorrow for the senseless loss of life and injuries suffered by our
heroic first responders as a result of the World Trade Center,
Pentagon, and Pennsylvania tragedies on Tuesday, September 11, 2001. My
prayers, thoughts and deepest sympathies are with their families and
loved ones at this definitive moment in American history.
Tocqueville once said of Americans, ``They show with complacency how
an enlightened regard for themselves constantly prompts them to assist
one another and inclines their willingness to sacrifice a portion of
their time and property to the welfare of the state.'' These words
describe the 300 firefighters and 70 police officers that have died in
this senseless tragedy. Their names are forever inscribed on the
portals of fame. America now truly understands how much we as a nation
owe these heroic people, both those who have made the ultimate
sacrifice, and those who continue to serve with honor day in and day
out. God help us always to have these men and women who believe in what
they are doing and who will fight to the very end for what they
believe.
This resolution also speaks to the unity of public safety officers.
There is an old saying in the fire service that goes, ``Firemen are a
brotherhood. They do not care what department a man belongs, if he is a
fireman enrolled for the same purpose, fighting under the same banner,
they are ready to extend the hand of fellowship.'' This is true
literally and figuratively. Literally, there are many families who
serve together as firefighters and police officers or both in New York
City. Currently, they are working to help recover their figurative
brothers and sisters. This figurative bond was also evident with the
outpouring of help that came into the New York City, and Virginia from
around the country and the world. So much help, that some of it had to
be turned away. The literal and figurative unity is stronger than ever
as a result of the attacks on our country.
When I visited the Pentagon and ``Ground Zero'' with President Bush
in New York, I saw first hand the destruction and the tireless rescue
efforts underway. I thought to myself, ``why do these people, the
firefighters and police officers, do what they do?'' I soon recalled a
book I had read in the 1970's by Dennis Smith, a retired New York City
fireman and founder of Firehouse Magazine who also assisted in the
rescue efforts. In his classic book ``Report from Engine Co. 82'', an
account of his life on a South Bronx fireman, Smith said after
recovering a victim who had perished in a fire, ``I don't say anything
further, nor does Billy, as I look up to his eyes. They are almost
fully closed, but I can see they are wet and teary. The corneas are red
from heat and smoke, and light reflects from the watered surface, and
they sparkle. I wish my wife, my mother, and everyone who has ever
asked me why I do what I do, could see the humanity, the sympathy, the
sadness of these eyes, because this is the reason I continue to be a
firefighter.'' America saw this same scene played out time and time
again on September 11th and the following days. As a result, we as a
nation can start to understand why they continuously sacrifice their
lives and pay them a long overdue thank you.
We thank them, we praise them, and we will never forget them. God
bless these heroes, their families and God bless America.
Mr. LaTOURETTE. 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 Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res.
233.
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. LaTOURETTE. 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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