[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 100 (Monday, July 22, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H5002-H5006]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
FLIGHT 93 NATIONAL MEMORIAL ACT
Mrs. CUBIN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 3917) to authorize a national memorial to commemorate the
passengers and crew of Flight 93 who, on September 11, 2001,
courageously gave their lives thereby thwarting a planned attack on our
Nation's Capital, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H.R. 3917
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Flight 93 National Memorial
Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) Passengers and crewmembers of United Airlines Flight 93
of September 11, 2001, courageously gave their lives, thereby
thwarting a planned attack on our Nation's Capital.
(2) In the months since the historic events of September
11, thousands of people have visited the Flight 93 site,
drawn by the heroic action and sacrifice of the passengers
and crew aboard Flight 93.
[[Page H5003]]
(3) Many are profoundly concerned about the future
disposition of the crash site, including grieving families of
the passengers and crew, the people of the region who are the
current stewards of the site, and a broad spectrum of
citizens across the United States. Many of these people are
forming the Flight 93 Task Force as a broad, inclusive
organization to provide a voice for all interested and
concerned parties.
(4) The crash site commemorates Flight 93 and is a profound
symbol of American patriotism and spontaneous leadership of
citizen-heroes. The determination of appropriate recognition
at the crash site of Flight 93 will be a slowly unfolding
process in order to address the interests and concerns of all
interested parties. Appropriate national assistance and
recognition must give ample opportunity for those involved to
voice these broad concerns.
(5) It is appropriate that the crash site of Flight 93 be
designated a unit of the National Park System.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are as follows:
(1) To establish a national memorial to honor the
passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93 of September
11, 2001.
(2) To establish the Flight 93 Advisory Commission to
assist with consideration and formulation of plans for a
permanent memorial to the passengers and crew of Flight 93,
including its nature, design, and construction.
(3) To authorize the Secretary of the Interior (hereinafter
referred to as the ``Secretary'') to coordinate and
facilitate the activities of the Flight 93 Advisory
Commission, provide technical and financial assistance to the
Flight 93 Task Force, and to administer a Flight 93 memorial.
SEC. 3. MEMORIAL TO HONOR THE PASSENGERS AND CREWMEMBERS OF
FLIGHT 93.
There is established a memorial at the September 11, 2001,
crash site of United Airlines Flight 93 in the Stonycreek
Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, to honor the
passengers and crew of Flight 93.
SEC. 4. FLIGHT 93 ADVISORY COMMISSION.
(a) Establishment.--There is established a commission to be
known as the ``Flight 93 Advisory Commission'' (hereafter in
this Act referred to as the ``Commission'').
(b) Membership.--The Commission shall consist of 15
members, including the Director of the National Park Service,
or the Director's designee, and 14 members appointed by the
Secretary from recommendations of the Flight 93 Task Force.
(c) Term.--The term of the members of the Commission shall
be for the life of the Commission.
(d) Chair.--The members of the Commission shall select the
Chair of the Commission.
(e) Vacancies.--Any vacancy in the Commission shall not
affect its powers if a quorum is present, but shall be filled
in the same manner as the original appointment.
(f) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet at the call of the
Chairperson or a majority of the members, but not less often
than quarterly. Notice of the Commission meetings and agendas
for the meetings shall be published in local newspapers in
the vicinity of Somerset County and in the Federal Register.
Meetings of the Commission shall be subject to section 552b
of title 5, United States Code (relating to open meetings).
(g) Quorum.--A majority of the members serving on the
Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
any business.
(h) No Compensation.--Members of the Commission shall serve
without compensation, but may be reimbursed for expenses
incurred in carrying out the duties of the Commission.
(i) Duties.--The duties of the Commission shall be as
follow:
(1) Not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the Secretary and
Congress a report containing recommendations for the
planning, design, construction, and long-term management of a
permanent memorial at the crash site.
(2) The Commission shall advise the Secretary on the
boundaries of the memorial site.
(3) The Commission shall advise the Secretary in the
development of a management plan for the memorial site.
(4) The Commission shall consult and coordinate closely
with the Flight 93 Task Force, the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, and other interested parties, as appropriate,
to support and not supplant the efforts of the Flight 93 Task
Force on and before the date of the enactment of this Act to
commemorate Flight 93.
(5) The Commission shall provide significant opportunities
for public participation in the planning and design of the
memorial.
(j) Powers.--The Commission may--
(1) make such expenditures for services and materials for
the purpose of carrying out this Act as the Commission
considers advisable from funds appropriated or received as
gifts for that purpose;
(2) subject to approval by the Secretary, solicit and
accept donations of funds and gifts, personal property,
supplies, or services from individuals, foundations,
corporations, and other private or public entities to be used
in connection with the construction or other expenses of the
memorial;
(3) hold hearings, enter into contracts for personal
services and otherwise;
(4) do such other things as are necessary to carry out this
Act; and
(5) by a vote of the majority of the Commission, delegate
such of its duties as it determines appropriate to employees
of the National Park Service.
(k) Termination.--The Commission shall terminate upon
dedication of the completed memorial.
SEC. 5. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.
The Secretary is authorized to--
(1) provide assistance to the Commission, including advice
on collections, storage, and archives;
(2) consult and assist the Commission in providing
information, interpretation, and the conduct of oral history
interviews;
(3) provide assistance in conducting public meetings and
forums held by the Commission;
(4) provide project management assistance to the Commission
for planning, design, and construction activities;
(5) provide programming and design assistance to the
Commission for possible memorial exhibits, collections, or
activities;
(6) provide staff assistance and support to the Commission
and the Flight 93 Task Force;
(7) participate in the formulation of plans for the design
of the memorial, to accept funds raised by the Commission for
construction of the memorial, and to construct the memorial;
(8) acquire from willing sellers the land or interests in
land for the memorial site by donation, purchase with donated
or appropriated funds, or exchange; and
(9) to administer the Flight 93 memorial as a unit of the
National Park System in accordance with this Act and with the
laws generally applicable to units of the National Park
System such as the Act of August 25, 1916 (39 Stat. 585).
SEC. 6. CLARIFICATION OF PASSENGERS AND CREW.
For the purposes of this Act, the terrorists on United
Airlines Flight 93 on September 11, 2001, shall not be
considered passengers or crew of that flight.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
Wyoming (Mrs. Cubin) and the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr.
Faleomavaega) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Wyoming (Mrs. Cubin).
Mrs. CUBIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor for me to manage this bill
introduced by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murtha). He
certainly is a statesman in this body, and it is an honor for me to be
able to work with him on this issue.
H.R. 3917 would establish a national memorial in Somerset County,
Pennsylvania, at the site where United Airlines Flight 93 crashed on
September 11. The legislation would designate the memorial as a unit of
the National Park System, while also establishing a 15-member advisory
commission comprised of various stakeholders, including the family
members of victims, rescue workers, landowners, locally elected
officials, and other important stakeholders to advise the Secretary of
the Interior regarding the design, construction, and long-term
management of the memorial. The commission would then dissolve upon the
dedication of the memorial.
Mr. Speaker, I am sure that I speak for every Member of this body
when I express my deep gratitude for the heroic efforts of the crew and
the passengers that fought to keep Flight 93 from carrying out their
intended act of terrorism on this Nation's capital.
As thousands and thousands of people have visited the crash site in
Pennsylvania to pay their respects and to reflect upon what took place
that day, it has become even more clear that this deep gratitude is
shared by all Americans.
I believe that this is an appropriate way of honoring these heroes
and keeping their memory alive. Thousands and thousands of future
Americans will no doubt visit this site and reflect upon the courage of
those who were first to begin to fight back against America's attackers
in its war on terrorism.
While the establishment of this memorial does depart from the normal
process of studying a potential site prior to its establishment, and
allowing the passage of time in order to permit history to make its
judgment about the historical significance of a particular site, we
share the opinion expressed by the National Park Service that this site
is so clearly nationally significant and important to contemporary
America that recognition now is totally appropriate.
Mr. Speaker, this legislation is supported on both sides of the
aisle, as well as by the administration; and I urge support for this
bill.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
(Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and was given permission to revise and extend
his remarks.)
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, this bill is proposed by my good
friend, the distinguished gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murtha), the
ranking member of the Subcommittee on
[[Page H5004]]
Defense of the Committee on Appropriations.
Mr. Speaker, with all of the bills we have considered relating to the
events of September 11 of last year, we would like to first say our
thoughts and prayers continue to go out to those affected by the events
of that awful day. While we as a Nation have attempted to go on with
our lives, the tragedy and loss of that day will never be forgotten or
taken out of our hearts and minds.
The scope and severity of that terrible tragedy make it difficult to
know how best to memorialize those who were lost, but the legislation
of the gentleman from Pennsylvania focuses on memorializing the heroism
of those aboard United Flight 93 and the tragedy of their loss. These
are the events which mostly affected the families he represents, and we
fully support this legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I had the recent privilege of accompanying the gentleman
from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon), another colleague from Pennsylvania,
with eight other Members of Congress to visit Uzbekistan, where we do
the majority of our major staging area for our troops in going and
fighting the war in Afghanistan. What struck me, Mr. Speaker, was that
one of the units there, an Air Force unit, had a slogan. They took this
slogan from the last words that were given by one of the gentlemen on
board this Flight 93, and it was simply this: ``Let's roll.'' This Air
Force unit had adopted this slogan, ``Let's Roll,'' to honor the heroes
of Flight 93.
For all I know, Mr. Speaker, many of us in this body, Members and
staff, may not be here if it had not been for the heroic acts of those
passengers willing to sacrifice their lives so that we and the many of
us here might live. I hope we will never forget that.
We want to continue working with all our colleagues regarding
appropriate reactions to the events of September 11. It is our hope
that over time we may gain the wisdom and perspective to devise a
memorial or series of memorials that will tell the story of these
attacks; of the people who are lost, their families, and our resulting
efforts to end the threat of terrorism in such a way that future
generations will never forget these events. Better yet, Mr. Speaker,
perhaps such a memorial could in some small way reduce the chance that
any future generation will have to endure such a tragedy.
I want to say for the Record, Mr. Speaker, that I commend the
gentleman from Pennsylvania, as the dean of the great State of
Pennsylvania's delegation, and will support him in whatever way he sees
fit on how we might best honor those heroes of United Flight 93.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mrs. CUBIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume,
and I rise now to speak on behalf of our friend and colleague, the
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster), who has worked very hard
getting this bill to this point.
He is stuck in traffic right now, and so I just wanted to rise to let
the body know that he is in great support of this bill, has done a
great job in getting it through the committee, has addressed all of the
concerns that anyone has had, and he is very much committed to getting
this memorial built, and hoping that in doing so will bring some
comfort to the families of those people that died, as the gentleman
from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega), has just expressed for us.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to yield such time as he
may consume to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murtha), the
primary sponsor of this proposed bill.
Mr. MURTHA. Mr. Speaker, I want to express my appreciation to the
gentlewoman from Wyoming for her eloquent statement, as well as the
gentleman from American Samoa.
Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lewis), chairman of
the Subcommittee on Defense, and I were both in the Capitol on
September 11. We saw the crash on television of the World Trade Center,
and we evacuated the Capitol before we marked up our bill. We then went
outside and saw the plume of smoke from the Pentagon and heard that
there was a plane, of course, coming towards the Capitol, which was the
reason we evacuated it.
{time} 1530
We heard a sonic boom which we thought was an explosion.
The next morning, we drove to the site, and the plane had completely
incinerated. On the way back I heard the reports of the telephone calls
between the passengers and the people at home. Of course, in those
reports, there was an immediate idea that these people were going to
bring that plane down so the same tragedy would not occur that occurred
in New York and at the Pentagon.
Imagine this, we have been taught if a plane is hijacked, we sit
passively and wait until they land the plane. We do not take any
action. That was the way we were supposed to respond. They got the
reports from the families, and they realized this was a different
situation entirely. Of course, the terrorists miscalculated, thinking
that the United States was soft, thinking the United States was all
kinds of adjectives that they have used against this great country.
They found out that the people on board were not going to give up
easily. They made an instantaneous decision. They brought that plane
down, missing Johnstown by a few seconds, missing an airport by a few
seconds, and missing an elementary school by a few seconds. The people
in Shanksville, Somerset County, reacted almost instantaneously. Within
5 or 6 minutes, volunteer firemen were at the site.
The next day when I got there at 7 or 8 in the morning, the FBI was
there. They had taken charge because it was a criminal investigation,
volunteer firemen were there, State police were there, and they had it
under control. All that was left was the rubble from the airplane. The
tail had completely collapsed into the center and the nose section of
the airplane.
When I think of the great courage that these people displayed in this
action, it makes me realize what the terrorists did not realize, that
this was one of the most heroic acts, and it defined the United States
at a time in our history, that we are not going to sit back and allow
terrorism to destroy this great country. Those folks took action and we
are proud of them.
Let me say in addition to them, I have talked to the families, and
the families at first felt it ought to be a memorial and bury the
remains someplace else. But then they realized that 90 percent of the
remains are there.
I appreciate what the committee has done. As the gentlewoman from
Wyoming (Mrs. Cubin) said, normally these things takes years before we
determine what needs to be done. This was obvious that it needed some
fast action, and the families who have been so good, the fact that they
realized that their loved ones were heroes, and they want to say how
much they would appreciate this. I told them that we will try to get it
done this summer, and we have done it. I appreciate what Members have
done because this is an extraordinary action by the Congress to get
something like this done so quickly. I represent the area this year,
because of reapportionment, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr.
Shuster) will represent it next year. Both of us appreciate the action
of the committee.
Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?
Mr. MURTHA. I yield to the gentleman from California.
Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, let me say it is really
impressive that the gentleman has gotten this job accomplished in this
length of time. It is very important that Americans, and also people
around the world know that America is standing together regarding that
for which those brave men and women gave their lives. Indeed, they
sacrificed themselves to make sure that further disaster did not take
place on that day.
The further irony is that the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense,
which handles national defense, was meeting that morning. We usually
have our people meet about 9:30 for rolls and coffee, because we want
them to be at the meeting at 10, but we were there early and witnessed
these planes flying into the World Trade Center. None of us knew what
was going on in Pennsylvania. Indeed, I am not sure that we would have
gotten notice if the terrorists had been successful. They could have
had, as their target, the White
[[Page H5005]]
House, or they could have had the symbol of this country's freedom, the
Capitol of the United States. If that was the case, we might very well
have been struck.
We abandoned our work and left the Capitol, as everybody else did.
But, indeed, if the terrorists had been successful, we might not have
had a chance. Literally, those brave men and women set the stage that
day for the President of the United States to declare war on terrorism.
Together we stand firm to fight for that battle, for the very
civilization we believe so much in is at stake, and I believe the
freedom of the world may very well be at stake. I congratulate the
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murtha) who is a fantastic partner in
our business, in defense appropriations. But more importantly, this
symbol will be there forever, and it is a reflection of what we are
willing to give that freedom might live.
Mr. MURTHA. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, from Pennsylvania to
California to Wyoming to American Samoa, this is a piece of legislation
that will be remembered long after we are gone, and a monument to some
real heroes of this great country, which defines what America is all
about.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California
(Mr. Lewis), the chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on
Defense, and the dean of the Pennsylvania delegation, the gentleman
from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murtha) for their eloquent remarks in reference
to this legislation.
I would be remiss if I do not thank the gentlewoman from Wyoming
(Mrs. Cubin), and even though she has yielded her time, I would be
happy to yield to the gentlewoman.
Mrs. CUBIN. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I yield to the gentlewoman from Wyoming.
Mrs. CUBIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and just
say how much I have enjoyed working with the gentleman for the past 8
years now. He is a gentleman, a statesman, and always interested in
what is best for the United States and for American Samoa, and I am
very grateful.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, it is my sincere hope that this
legislation will be taken in the most expedient manner, not only from
this Chamber, but certainly from the other body, so we can make the
most appropriate arrangements. Again, I thank the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Murtha) for his remarks and personal experience
relative to what happened to United Flight 93.
Mr. Speaker, there was no question where that plane was headed
towards. It was headed towards Washington, D.C. It could have been any
one of us here. It could have been our office buildings that flight was
headed for. Again, I thank the gentleman whose last words before
communications cut out, he simply said, ``Let's roll.'' I want to pay
that special tribute and honor to that gentleman, and all of the
passengers on Flight 93 as to that act of heroism as to why we are
alive today.
Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join with my colleagues in
support of this legislation to establish a memorial for the brave men
and women of Flight 93, who perished in the terrorist attacks of
September 11. All Americans should honor these brave Americans. And
this legislation is one important way to see that all Americans
remember their tremendous courage and sacrifice.
Earlier this year, I carried through legislation to honor one Flight
93 hero, Todd Beamer, of Cranbury New Jersey, in my district.
The band of passengers on Flight 93 who fought the hijackers, saved
hundreds, perhaps thousands of lives that would have been taken if that
plane reached the hijackers' intended target. And it is worth nothing
that none of those people whose lives were saved know who they are.
They will never know. But all Americans can be grateful.
The memory of the people on board Flight 93 reminds us that this is
not the last time that America will need heroes. The survival of
American ideals depends day in and day out on ordinary Americans
stepping out of their ordinary lives to do extraordinary things,
courageous things.
It is appropriate, I think, that people will be able to find
inspiration as they look at this memorial and pause for a moment to
reflect on the essence of America, what we can extract from these
American's heroism. While we are designating a memorial to these
passengers, they have left their own lasting memorial for us all, by
their example.
I take great pride in joining with my colleagues in supporting this
important bill.
Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3917, the
Flight 93 National Memorial Act. This important measure would pay
tribute to the passengers of Flight 93. These brave men and women made
the ultimate sacrifice in an effort to protect their countrymen. It is
only fitting that we establish a lasting memorial to these brave
individuals.
As we debate this measure, in this most revered of halls, I cannot
help but contemplate the possibility that Flight 93 was headed to a
target here in the Nation's Capitol--quite possibly right here to the
Capitol itself. We will, however, never know for sure where that doomed
flight was headed. We will never know, because men and women, put love
of country ahead of self preservation. These were not super heros, but
individuals just like you and me. Individuals with families and loved
ones anxiously awaiting their return, who put aside their own desirers
and stood up to combat terrorism and save countless lives.
Mr. Speaker, shortly after the tragic events of September 11th, I had
the opportunity to attend a memorial service for the passengers of
Flight 93 in my home state of Pennsylvania. I was moved by the
outpouring of support for the families of those who died. I knew
immediately that this was indeed hallowed ground.
Already thousands of visitors have flooded to Pennsylvania to pay
their respects to these brave men and women and many more are expected
to come. We must provide the American people with a proper place to
both bring their grief as well as for them to pay honor and tribute to
those who gave so much.
The legislation before us today lays out a fair and balanced approach
for construction of a memorial for these brave individuals. The
legislation calls for the creation of the Flight 93 Advisory Commission
which would be composed of representatives from the families of
victims, the local community, the state of Pennsylvania and the United
States Government. The Commission would then submit their
recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior.
Mr. Speaker, we have all been inspired by the many heros who have
emerged in the wake of September 11th. The passengers aboard Flight 93
are certainly heros. These brave men and women put the love of their
country before themselves and are responsible for saving the lives of
many. It is only proper that we construct a memorial where all
Americans can come and honor these immensely courageous individuals. I
urge passage of the Flight 93 Memorial Act.
Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution
that honors the great bravery, courage, and patriotism of the crew and
passengers aboard United Airlines Flight 93, including my constituent
Jeremy Glick of West Milford, New Jersey. Though we may never know what
took place in the final minutes on that flight, we can be certain that
because of Jeremy's actions, along with other passengers and crew
members, lives were saved. Not only do the passengers and crew of
Flight 93 deserve the highest of honors and a permanent place in our
Nation's memory, but they also deserve our immense gratitude.
Aboard the fated flight which crashed in Pennsylvania, Jeremy Glick
was one of the heroes who bravely and selflessly sacrificed his own
life after providing important details about the terrorists' actions
over his cell phone. We know that Jeremy helped to take down the
terrorist, armed only with a plastic dinner knife. As United Flight 93
crashed prematurely in Pennsylvania, Air Force One changed its route
and the White House and Capitol Building were evacuated. The potential
destruction and loss of more innocent lives were averted in part
because of Jeremy's heroic actions. I am overwhelmed by his selfless
defense of civilian lives and his country. Such patriotism and valor
demands our recognition and our thanks
Out of this tragedy, our Nation has emerged stronger and prouder than
ever. Our spirit is inspired by the stories of the brave men and women
of that day--true heroes of our country. This is what this monument
will stand for--their memory and stories that inspire us, now and for
years to come. The Flight 93 memorial will allow generation after
generation to remember and honor Jeremy and all those on the flight for
their exceptional bravery, valor, and patriotism.
Shortly before September 11th, Jeremy's wife Lyzebth gave birth to a
beautiful daughter, Emerson. The photos of Jeremy and Emerson move me
immensely as I witness the love and pride in Jeremy's eyes for his
daughter. Emerson will see these same photos one day, and know of the
love her father had for her. Let us, as a Congress and as a country,
allow her to know the tremendous service her father did for America on
September 11th.
Although there are no flags or pieces of legislation that can relieve
the sorrow of the families of these victims, I hope that they will take
comfort in the fact that their loved ones will
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not be forgotten. I urge my colleagues to join me in commemorating the
lives of the crew and passengers of United Flight 93 with this national
memorial in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Culberson). The question is on the
motion offered by the gentlewoman from Wyoming (Mrs. Cubin) that the
House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3917, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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