[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 146 (Wednesday, November 13, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S10881]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            AMERICA'S POWER

  Mr. SESSIONS. Madam President, I join my colleagues today to 
commemorate September 11, 2002, and the Special Joint Session of 
Congress held in New York City. Americans are a generous people, with 
both our time and our money. We are a people committed to our religious 
beliefs. We are a people who place great value on education and the 
individual. We seek opportunity at every turn for our children, and we 
strive to take care of those who are elderly, infirm, and less 
fortunate.
  We are also a people who take great pride in the protections we 
collectively offer one another through a common defense. We wear most 
humbly the mantle of ``Super Power.''
  Last September 11, our collective vulnerability in securing the 
borders of our nation was made known to all. In those initial chaotic 
hours, we watched the opening battle of what is now called the ``War on 
Terror.''
  Like many states, Alabama lost sons and daughters that day. Indeed, 
five Alabamians died in the Pentagon. Families were broken and great 
symbols of our might and entrepreneurial achievement made waste. We 
felt, and I believe we still feel, a collective pain in our hearts that 
will never heal. But the world has witnessed the development of a new 
resolve among Americans. A resolve too quiet for too long.
  In the past year, we have taken a long and hard look at our defense 
posture. We have found great problems that must be fixed. We have found 
strength. We have committed our uniform services to battle, and we must 
give our President tools and the authority to get the job done.
  Nearly a year has elapsed. Our emotions still run high.
  America is demanding much from itself and its governmental leaders. 
The creation of the Department of Homeland Security has resulted in a 
vigorous and healthy debate and a strong interest in making our 
homeland safer and improving our intelligence gathering capabilities.
  Fundamentally, the homeland defense debate is about change. 
Specifically, it is about protection of American citizens.
  I am proud of this country and how we have reacted. Everything has 
not been perfect, but great progress has been made. Noted columnist Mr. 
Charles Krauthammer recently wrote, ``National character does not 
change in a day. September 11 did not alter the American character, it 
merely revealed it.'' I could not agree more.
  The American character displayed ``courage, resolve, resourcefulness 
and above all resilience'' Krauthammer wrote and I agree. We are a 
great power and indeed a super power.
  We are a nation that believes in freedom and progress and are 
forgiving and slow to anger, but when aroused we have proven once again 
we can be a terrible force.
  Our President is leading us with strength and resolve. Homeland 
defense is but a part--an important part--of that resolve. Foreign 
policy initiatives, social policy changes and prosecution of the War on 
Terror are other aspects as well. Of the latter, winning is no simple 
matter. Patience, superior planning, and the support of the military 
are all required to complete the tasks which lie ahead.
  The nation has met the challenge this year. Now we must work hard as 
the memories of the horror of September 11 fade, to finish the job of 
making our homeland safe and ensuring that our magnificent military 
continues to expand its capabilities and world leadership. We must not 
sleep.

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