[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 162 (Wednesday, November 28, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2163]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E2163]]
                FLOOR STATEMENT FOR REP. ELLEN TAUSCHER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELLEN D. TAUSCHER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 28, 2001

  Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, we have mourned. We have remembered. And 
we have flown the flag.
  We have done a lot to honor those lost.
  But we can do more to honor the men and women who became some of the 
greatest heroes in American history on September 11.
  Many families are still searching for peace of mind and for how to 
explain to their children that their moms or dads aren't coming home. 
One of those people is Deena Burnett, who lost her husband Tom on 
flight 93. Another is Laurie Hart, whose husband John was in the World 
Trade Center September 11.
  These two men are shining examples of the American spirit, and of our 
bravery and values as a Nation.
  Nothing will ever bring back Tom or John, but we must do everything 
we can to help their families keep their memories alive.
  Deena Burnett would like to hear the recording from flight 93's 
cockpit recorder. And I believe we owe that to her.
  These families know the tape might not give them all the answers 
they're looking for. But many believe it's the only way to cement in 
their minds what they already know in their hearts--that their husbands 
and fathers and best friends died as heroes, selflessly doing 
everything they could to protect their fellow Americans.
  Mr. Speaker, I have urged the FBI to immediately consider letting 
Deena Burnett hear this tape. For 7 weeks I have waited for an answer. 
Even worse--so have all those families.
  And while Deena Burnett and all these other people have been waiting, 
someone shared information about their loved one's final moments with 
reporters. But the families'requests still go unanswered. This is 
heartless, and it is unacceptable.
  The FBI can no longer delay making this important gesture to respect 
and honor the families of these American heroes.
  Please, Mr. Speaker, help us give these families the best holiday 
gifts they could receive--the memories of those they lost.

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