[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 125 (Thursday, September 11, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H8207-H8212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
NATIONAL MEMORIAL TO VICTIMS OF TERRORISM ACT
Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to the order of the House of
September 10, 2003, I call up the bill (H.R. 911) to authorize the
establishment of a memorial to victims who died as a result of
terrorist acts against the United States or its people, at home or
abroad, and ask for its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the order of the House of
September 10, 2003, the bill is considered read for amendment.
The text of H.R. 911 is as follows:
H.R. 911
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION OF MEMORIAL.
(a) In General.--The Advisory Board established in section
2(a) is authorized to establish a memorial (referred to
hereafter in this Act as the ``Memorial'') in accordance with
this Act on Federal lands administered by the National Park
Service in the District of Columbia and its environs (as
defined in section 2(e) of the Commemorative Works Act (40
U.S.C. 1002(e)) to victims who died as a result of terrorist
acts against the United States or its people, at home or
abroad, except those individuals identified by the Attorney
General of the United States as participating or conspiring
in terrorist-related activities.
(b) Detail of Employees.--The Secretary of the Interior
(referred to hereafter in this Act as the ``Secretary'')
shall detail to the Advisory Board such support staff as are
necessary to assist the members of the Advisory Board in
carrying out its responsibilities.
(c) Relationship to the Commemorative Works Act.--The
Commemorative Works Act (40 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.) shall apply
to the Memorial, with the exception of section 3(c) of that
Act which shall not apply to the Memorial.
SEC. 2. ADVISORY BOARD.
(a) Establishment.--There is established an advisory board
to be known as the ``Victims of Terrorism Memorial Advisory
Board'' (referred to hereafter in this Act as the ``Advisory
Board'').
(b) Members.--The Advisory Board shall consist of 13
members who shall be appointed, not later than 3 months after
the date of the enactment of this Act, by the President (in
consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and the
Secretary of Defense) from interested persons, including
representatives of organizations dedicated to assisting
victims of terrorism and their families.
(c) Chairperson.--The Chairperson of the Advisory Board
shall be one of its Members elected by a majority of the
Members at the first meeting of the Advisory Board.
(d) Terms; Vacancies.--Members of the Advisory Board shall
serve for the life of the Advisory Board. The President shall
make appointments to fill any vacancies that occur.
(e) Duties.--The Advisory Board shall--
(1) raise necessary funds to establish, design, construct,
and maintain the Memorial; and
(2) begin consultation under section 7 of the Commemorative
Works Act not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
(f) Donations.--The Advisory Board may accept donations on
behalf of the United States for the establishment, design,
construction, and maintenance of the Memorial.
(g) Termination.--The Advisory Board shall terminate not
later than 120 days after completion of the Memorial.
(h) FACA.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C.
App.) shall not apply to the Advisory Board.
SEC. 3. DEPOSIT OF EXCESS FUNDS.
If, upon payment of all expenses of the establishment of
the Memorial (including the maintenance and preservation
amount provided for in section 8(b) of the Commemorative
Works Act), or upon expiration of the authority for the
Memorial under section 10(b) of that Act, there remains a
balance in the funds received under section 3(f) for
maintenance of the Memorial, the Chairperson of the Advisory
Board shall transfer the amount of the balance to the
Secretary of the Treasury for deposit in the account provided
for in section 8(b)(1) of that Act.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The amendment designated in the previous
order of the House is adopted.
The text of the amendment in the nature of a substitute is as
follows:
Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:
SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION OF MEMORIAL.
(a) In General.--The Advisory Board established in section
2(a) is authorized to establish a memorial (referred to
hereafter in this Act as the ``Memorial'') in accordance with
this Act on Federal lands administered by the National Park
Service in the District of Columbia and its environs (as
defined in section 8902(a)(3) of title 40, United States
Code) to victims who died as a result of terrorist acts
against the United States or its people, at home or abroad,
except those individuals identified by the Attorney General
of the United States as participating or conspiring in
terrorist-related activities.
(b) Detail of Employees.--The Secretary of the Interior
shall detail to the Advisory Board such support staff as are
necessary to assist the members of the Advisory Board in
carrying out its responsibilities.
(c) Relationship to the Commemorative Works Act.--Chapter
89 of title 40, United States Code, shall apply to the
Memorial, with the exception of section 8903(c) of that title
which shall not apply to the Memorial.
SEC. 2. ADVISORY BOARD.
(a) Establishment.--There is established an advisory board
to be known as the ``Victims of Terrorism Memorial Advisory
Board'' (referred to hereafter in this Act as the ``Advisory
Board'').
(b) Members.--The Advisory Board shall consist of 13
members who shall be appointed not later than 3 months after
the date of the enactment of this Act. Nine members shall be
appointed by the President (in consultation with the
Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Defense), 2
members by the Speaker of the House of Representatives (in
consultation with the Minority Leader) and 2 members by the
Majority Leader of the Senate (in consultation with the
Minority Leader) from interested persons, including
representatives of organizations dedicated to assisting
victims of terrorism and their families.
(c) Chairperson.--The Chairperson of the Advisory Board
shall be one of its members elected by a majority of the
members at the first meeting of the Advisory Board.
(d) Terms; Vacancies.--Members of the Advisory Board shall
serve for the life of the Advisory Board. The President shall
make appointments to fill any vacancies that occur.
(e) Duties.--The Advisory Board shall--
(1) raise necessary funds to establish, design, construct,
and maintain the Memorial; and
(2) begin consultation under section 8907 of title 40,
United States Code, not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this Act.
(f) Donations.--The Advisory Board may accept donations on
behalf of the United States for the establishment, design,
construction, and maintenance of the Memorial.
(g) Termination.--The Advisory Board shall terminate not
later than 120 days after completion of the Memorial.
(h) FACA.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C.
App.) shall not apply to the Advisory Board.
SEC. 3. DEPOSIT OF EXCESS FUNDS.
If, upon payment of all expenses of the establishment of
the Memorial (including the maintenance and preservation
amount provided for in section 8906(b) of title 40, United
States Code), or upon expiration of the 7-year period
beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, there
remains a balance in the funds received under section 8903(f)
of title 40, United States Code, for maintenance of the
Memorial, the Chairperson of the Advisory Board shall
transfer the amount of the balance to the Secretary of the
Treasury for deposit in the account provided for in section
8906(b) of that title.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo)
and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Turner) each will control 30 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo).
Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, 2 years ago today, America experienced an unimaginable
act of terrorism that resulted in over 3,000 innocent people being
taken from their families, including over 300 brave firefighters and 60
police officers from New York City, and over 40 military personnel at
the Pentagon. The attacks of 9/11 changed America forever. While it
renewed our sense of patriotism, it also challenged Americans to accept
new limitations in their lives.
While our Nation has certainly experienced tragedies in the past, the
events of 9/11 affected the soul of this Nation and have transformed
how millions of Americans live their lives. America has entered a new
era following the events of September 11, 2001, an age where peace and
personal security at home is no longer taken for granted. Americans,
unfortunately, have been victims of terrorism in the past.
[[Page H8208]]
These are just a few of a long list of examples:
The assassination of Cleo Noel, U.S. Ambassador to Sudan in 1973; 63
Americans killed at the bombing of U.S. barracks in Lebanon in 1983; an
American serviceman killed during the hijacking of TWA Flight 847 in
Lebanon in 1985; wheelchair-bound Leo Klinghoffer was murdered aboard
the Achille Lauro in 1985; 259 Americans were killed aboard Pan Am
Flight 103 over Scotland in 1988; six people killed in the bombing of
the World Trade Center garage in 1993; 19 Americans killed in the
bombing of the Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia in 1996; 247 people killed
in the bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, and 10 people
killed in the bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania
in 1998; 17 sailors killed in the attack on the USS Cole in Yemen in
October 2000.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 911, the National Memorial to Victims of Terrorism
Act, would authorize the creation of a living national memorial in our
Nation's Capital to all of the victims, past, present and,
unfortunately, future, killed in terrorist attacks against the United
States or its people, including those killed in the horrific September
11 attacks.
The bill would authorize the creation of an advisory board whose
members would be appointed by the President, the Speaker of the House,
and the majority leader. The board would be responsible for raising all
necessary funds to design, construct, and maintain the memorial. Today,
we have an opportunity to acknowledge the thousands of victims whose
lives have been lost through acts of terrorism in our history by
establishing this memorial in their honor.
While we cannot completely repair the damage that has been done by
terrorists that hate liberty and freedom, we can provide some assurance
that their memories will not be lost.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 911, as amended.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. TURNER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from California (Chairman
Pombo) for his outstanding leadership on this very important piece of
legislation, H.R. 911, creating a national memorial to the victims of
terrorism. I also want to thank the subcommittee chairman, the
gentleman from California (Mr. Radanovich) for his help and work on
this bill, which we have been involved in for the past 2 years. I also
want to thank the ranking minority member of the full committee, the
gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall) and the ranking member of the
subcommittee, the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Mrs.
Christensen) for their work.
This bill originated shortly after September 11 of 2001 and, in the
past Congress, was cosponsored by the chairman of the Committee on
Resources, the then chairman, Jim Hansen, who retired and who worked
very hard in putting together the initial version of this bill. So I am
very grateful for the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo) and the
other Members who have supported this concept and have worked to make
this bill one that we believe will be successful, one that will pay
tribute and memorialize the victims of terrorism.
We have had over 218 Members of the House join in cosponsoring this
bill. The occasion of September 11 always reminds us of the tragic
events of 2 years ago. On that day, the attacks took thousands of
innocent lives and changed the history of our Nation and of our world.
Although it has been 2 years, the terrible images of that day, the
pictures of the towers and flames, the horrors of the onlookers in
lower Manhattan, the workers who rushed into the Pentagon to help save
their colleagues, the determined faces of firefighters at Ground Zero
and at the crash site in Pennsylvania all remain vividly in our
memories. We can still feel the emotions of that day, our feelings of
horror, anger, grief, and, most importantly, our commitment to ensure
that this would never, ever happen again.
We know now that September 11 of 2001 was the beginning of what we
might call a new world order. No longer would military might alone
protect us. We know today that our world has grown smaller, and that
our security is threatened not only by nations, but also by a small
band of dedicated terrorists who hide in the shadows and who willingly
use suicide missions to kill thousands of innocent victims. The savage
attacks of September 11 made clear to all that war had been declared
against America by a cruel and calculating foe, one that seeks to
destroy this Nation, to take away our freedoms and liberties that form
the bedrock of our great society.
Never before have so many Americans been killed on our own soil in a
single day. The terrorists took the lives of over 3,000, fathers and
mothers, husbands and wives, sons and daughters, citizens of America,
and 80 other countries around the world. Since then, Americans have
come together as a Nation to remember those who lost their lives and to
pledge our unwavering resolve to win the war on terrorism, whatever the
cost, and whatever the length of the battle.
As part of our commitment to defeat terrorism in all of its forms and
to never forget the precious lives that have been lost throughout these
years, this legislation, H.R. 911, would authorize the establishment of
a national memorial to all victims of terrorist acts against the United
States, including those who lost their lives on that fateful day 2
years ago.
The national memorial created in this bill would not only be
dedicated to the memory of the victims who lost their lives at the
hands of terrorists; it would be a living memorial where future
generations of young Americans will come to learn about the challenges
America faced when confronted by an enemy that knew no national
boundaries and that used unconventional methods, including suicide
attacks, to spread fear, death, and destruction.
It is my hope that this memorial will chart America's journey in the
war against worldwide terrorism and will someday show the world how
freedom, liberty, and justice overcame oppression, cowardice, and
fanaticism.
This legislation creates a 13-member advisory board appointed by the
President, the Speaker of the House, and President pro tempore of the
Senate, and includes representatives from organizations dedicated to
assisting the victims of terrorism. This advisory board will guide the
design, the location, and will provide the leadership in raising the
private funds necessary for the establishment and maintenance of the
memorial. In accordance with the Commemorative Works Act, the advisory
board will consult with the appropriate commissions regarding site
selection and design.
When the House Committee on Resources first held a hearing on this
bill last year, each of us were deeply moved by the stories of several
Americans whose lives were permanently changed on September 11. Among
our witnesses were Lisa Beamer, whose husband Todd was among the heroes
of Flight 93. Todd was the young American who said, ``let's roll.''
Another of our witnesses was a staff member, a then staff member of the
Committee on Resources, Liz Howell, whose husband was killed at the
Pentagon. We also heard on that day from Joe Finley, a New York
firefighter, who lost many friends in the World Trade Center and who
worked in the rescue efforts at Ground Zero. Finally, we heard from
Lieutenant Colonel Ted Anderson, who personally pulled victims from the
burning Pentagon.
{time} 1115
All of these spoke of the need for a national memorial to the victims
of terrorism in the District of Columbia. The stories of these
individuals remind us of the tragedy, the sacrifice, the heroism that
marked that day. Each of them represents the spirit of the bravery and
patriotism that arose in America's darkest hour. Each of them expressed
in a very personal way the meaning that a national memorial would have
to them.
Liz Howell so eloquently stated, ``I believe a national monument to
terrorism would become a hallowed place for the people of this
generation to remember and grieve. Perhaps even more importantly, it
would teach future generations about the heroism, sacrifice, and
patriotism that surrounded the deaths of people who died simply for
being Americans.''
[[Page H8209]]
Lisa Beamer in her testimony said, ``It is my hope and expectation
that the Memorial to Victims of Terrorism will motivate current and
future generations to always be vigilant in protecting us from evil and
always be practicing for great acts of heroism. If these lessons of
September 11 are learned and remembered, the deaths of our loved ones
will not be in vain.''
Lt. Colonel Ted Anderson who rushed into the Pentagon on that fateful
day, put it this way, ``This is about a memorial to those who have
fallen already and it is about a physical symbol of our unified
commitment to persevere, prevail, and to preserve the sanctity of our
endeavor and freedom and peace for our open people and for those who
choose to join us.''
Mr. Speaker, it is indeed altogether fitting and proper that we
remember and honor all victims of terrorism here in our Nation's
capital. This memorial will mark the time in the course of our Nation's
history when freedom and the respect for the dignity of man overcame
prejudice, hate, and evil. It will stand for the time in our Nation's
history when our country stood tall, persevered, and defended peace and
civility for all mankind.
I know every Member of this House will join in adoption of H.R. 911.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. POMEROY. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Frelinghuysen).
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from New Jersey thanks
the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo), the chairman of the
Committee on Resources, for yielding to me; and I thank him for his
vision of this national memorial. I congratulate the gentleman because
in coming from the New York-New Jersey region, we particularly salute
him for helping us remember so many people who lost loved ones.
Mr. Speaker, today we reflect on the event of September 11, 2001, and
express our deep sorrow, grief, and heartache for the victims of that
tragic day and pledge never to forget them. There were about 700 New
Jerseyans who were lost in those attacks and many more from New York
State, other States and from other nations, as well as we remember
today the lives lost at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania.
In the face of terrorist attacks, we witnessed the remarkable bravery
of EMS and first aid men and women, firefighters and police officers,
including many from my State who were first on the scene, who
selflessly raced into the heavily damaged World Trade Center towers to
aid and rescue those in need. It was not until later that we learned
that so many of them never made it out. Today we will remember their
bravery and pay our respects to their families.
Like so many of us, I was touched by many heartbreaking stories and
pleas from families, but one encounter I had continues to resonate with
me and remind me of the tragedy of that day. On a cold, blustery, early
morning in October of last year, a man walked up to me at a train
station and said, ``Congressman, I am angry.'' My first thought was
that he did not agree with one of my votes in Congress or he did not
like the outcome of a constituent case matter that we had tried to help
him with. But then he said, ``I lost my brother in the World Trade
Center on September 11 and I want you to be angry too. I want you to
never stop being angry.''
Before leaving the train station that morning and having heard this
man's plea, I walked over to a tree planted in memory of the victims of
September 11, many of whom came from that small town. There was a
plaque in part that read under the tree and I quote, ``We shall never
forget our friends and neighbors who rode the rails with us that
morning but did not return with us that night.''
We will forever remember the victims who died at the hands of such
evil men on that day. And I think we can also promise that we will
never stop being angry over the attacks on our country, and this
memorial proposal by the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo) and the
ranking member and his committee may help in that regard.
Ensuring the safety and security of our Nation and my State is my
duty. To protect our communities and neighborhoods, we are continuing
to implement a variety of strategies for homeland security. That
includes full and unfledged support for our police officers,
firefighters and first aiders, defense against bioterrorism, security
at our ports, harbor crossings, railroads and road networks, and new
procedures and standards for preparing and standards when responding to
emergencies.
Along with President Bush, I can assure you that the government at
every level is responding to terrorist threats, working to track down
every lead, and standing watch 24 hours a day against terrorism. We
remain resolved and vigilant in our efforts. We know that our work will
not be done until every American is free from fear of future terrorist
attacks. This memorial, this excellent proposal, this excellent vision
will be a living one as has been said, such that we will never forget.
Mr. TURNER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may
consume to the distinguished gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
(Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise
and extend her remarks.)
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman very
much on this very honored day to have the opportunity to join my
colleagues and to thank the chairman for the wisdom of his committee
and his leadership, and to thank my good friend, the gentleman from
Texas (Mr. Turner), the ranking member of the Select Committee on
Homeland Security, for his leadership and vision and for the expansion
of the concept of 9/11, and that is that we value lives, we honor
lives, we cherish life and the sacrifices that have been made, the
enormity of the sacrifice that was made on 9/11, that struck a chord at
the heart and soul of this Nation, where over thousands of Americans
lost their lives and others lost their lives at the hands of the
horrific act of terrorism.
But yet this memorial, which will be comprised of individuals and
family members and others who have experienced the pain of terrorism,
speaks to all who have lost their lives under that terrible mantle. So
today I think 9/11 is not only to recount where we were, this body, on
9/11, 2001, this Congress had convened, Members were in meetings, and
the Nation's business was being carried on. And then a singular and
fateful day brought about a multitude of actions that will impact
families around the world forever.
I believe this memorial has a good sense to it, common sense like we
would like to think Americans have. First of all, we cherish our
Constitution. We do believe that we all are created equal as the
Declaration of Independence so states, and we pride ourselves in having
the unique Bill of Rights that gives us the right to freedom of
expression and movement, freedom of religion. So out of that we have
been able to have the longest democracy without violence amongst us. We
fought wars, both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War; but we have
maintained a sense of appreciation for the ability to disagree. We have
not taken up the sword against each other to be able to make our point.
This body exemplifies democracy and is a tribute to those who lost
their lives in terrorist acts, that we would not fall under the sword.
So this morning I rise to pay tribute to the beautiful and wonderful
families of these brave victims. The legacy will live on.
I also acknowledge that we as a Nation will toll bells and lay
wreaths and we will have a number of silent moment, reflecting upon the
spirit and as well, the joy in the lives that were lived. But as this
committee, the Select Committee on Homeland Security, was, in fact,
instituted, we are strong. Our hearts are filled with resolve. Our
hearts are filled with love and admiration for those who have survived
and yet those who do not live.
We are resolved that as we promote memorials and honor this day, that
we will never forget the reason and the cost. The reason was because we
live in a democracy and out of that we generate hatred. The cause is to
preserve the democracy and to continue to celebrate with excitement and
joy the fact that those brave souls who died at Ground Zero, in the
field in Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon did not die in vain. I
believe we have challenges this morning, Mr. Speaker, to enhance our
first responders, the men and women in blue, our firefighters, our
[[Page H8210]]
neighbors, to provide them with the full funding that they need to
fight the war on terrorism right in our own backyards.
We need to be able to secure this Nation, not out of fear, but out of
resolve. We need to promote the Constitution and cherish it as well.
Proudly we need to boast that we are a democracy and we do believe in
freedom. And I would say, Mr. Speaker, that we clearly do not ever need
to stop commemorating this day. Never do we need to say enough is
enough. For evil is amongst us and will continue to be so. And the only
way that we can overcome it is to be the walking, living legends of the
democracy of this Nation.
What we do in this body reflects every day the tribute to those who
lost their lives. I do applaud the vision of those who are not fearful
of monuments and memorials in times to consider the bounty of this
Nation.
Might I take this day as well acknowledging that it is a sad day
because it is a commemorative day, to be able to challenge our friends
and neighbors, to be on the battlefield for justice and democracy, to
fight against discrimination, to recognize a principle that I think is
very important, that immigration does not equate to terrorism. I would
think that as this particular legislation will move that we will have
an enthusiastic response. It will be probably as emotional in its
passage, comparable I guess maybe to the good times in the history of
this Nation, maybe and maybe not.
It will come to be as the inspiration that Francis Scott Key received
as he wrote the ``Star Spangled Banner,'' as he saw the flag still
waving amidst the violence of explosion and bombs and cannons and the
rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the
night that the flag was still there.
Mr. Speaker, I came to this floor because I believe that America
should never forget, and I would challenge Americans never to be too
tired, too dated to be able to pay tribute to those who walked in
freedom, those who gave their lives and particularly were willing to
challenge and stand up to terrorists.
Today, as a member of the Select Committee on Homeland Security and
as an American, I join with the world family and solicit them not only
to honor those who have lost their lives through terrorist acts, and
particularly those who lost their lives in 9/11, but I challenge them
to make freedom real and to make the fight against terrorism
particularly real.
{time} 1130
Let us not do it against each other, but let us do it in unity. So in
the words of Martin Luther King, I ask that this Nation and the world
walk in freedom.
I ask as well that we stand up to the finish and never give up. Then
I will say that I ask that we pray for justice, to stand united
resisting injustice. I believe if we do that, the prayers of those of
us who some day will look to a world of peace where terrorism has been
stomped out will have a memorial like 9/11 to remind us and the lives
of those who died on 9/11 and would cherish those who have been the
victims of terrorism that we will say to them that we have never, never
given up.
God bless this Congress. God bless America. God bless all of those
who will stand with us to fight against terrorism.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman for yielding me this
time, and I thank the authors of this resolution for giving us all this
opportunity to reflect upon what September 11 meant to us, and to our
districts, and to the Nation.
It is a beautiful day today. There are just a few fluffy clouds
scattered across our stunning blue skies. Across the Nation, people are
working, playing, traveling, taking care of business and their
families, and by and large, going about their normal lives. It is day
much like that day 2 years ago, the day of the horrific events in
Washington, New York City, and Pennsylvania. It is a testament to the
tremendous resolve and strength of the American people that so quickly
we have come back, almost to a state of normalcy.
But 2 years later, life still is not really back to normal. Over
3,000 innocent Americans are no longer with us. In a flash of violence,
they have been snatched from us--a blow to their friends and families
that has been felt by every American. Among the victims were people
from every walk of life and every ethnic group. The list included
Barbara Olson, who fought steadfastly for the things in which she
believed. Although we sat on opposite sides of many issues, I will
always consider her to be an honored member of the Houston family. We
as a Nation will toll bells, lay wreaths and have moments with no words
at all planned for the sad commemoration of the terrorist assault that
killed more than 3,000 of our mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers.
Our hearts go out to the families of those victims as well as to those
who have served and still serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom and post-war
efforts to rebuild Iraq.
Two years ago today, many of us, as Americans, might have been asking
the questions: Why is this happening? Who are we? How are we going to
get through this? These are questions that almost every people in the
history of civilization has been forced to ask. But the answers that we
have come to, and the ways we have risen to the challenges that face
us, have been uniquely American and have truly made me proud to be a
member of this great nation.
The terrorists who attacked us on September 11, 2001 might have
thought that in that horrific act of violence that we would crumble.
They might have expected that because we came from all walks of life
and spoke different languages when we first came to this Nation, that
because we cherish our respective cultures, that the coalition would
disintegrate. They thought that we would no longer be America, that we
would desert each other and that we would fragment into a mosaic of
isolated groups based on ancestry. They thought we would put up
barriers, pointing fingers and accusing each other.
But we fooled them because America is still a nation, not just of the
free, but also of the brave. It is in fact a very special place; and to
a greater extent than any other time in our lifetimes, Americans stood
united. America was built on diversity, by ships of pilgrims, by those
in the bottoms of slave-ships and by others who walked across our
borders. That diversity will not be our downfall; it is our greatest
strength. We did not undermine our democratic ideals or attack our
Constitution. We stood firm.
As we of Congress gathered last year in the historic Federal Hall in
New York City, and then as we came together again before the Pentagon,
one sight brought peace and hope to my troubled heart--a great symbol
that has inspired so many people around the world over the past two
centuries. As I watched our flag began to blow in that morning's wind,
it reminded me of the words of Francis Scott Key. I understood why he
was so moved to write the ``Star Spangled Banner,'' for as he looked up
into a war-torn sky, alight with violent explosions, he wrote:
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
It was not despite the war raging around him that he was able to
contemplate his passion for America; indeed, it was because of it. What
might cause some to flee and desert their Nation, illuminated Old
Glory, enlightened him and gave him the inspiration to write one of the
most wonderful testaments to what being an American is. It was that
same spirit of courage in the face of danger, demonstrated in 1814,
that was powerfully embodied by those who died on Flight 93 in
Somerset, PA. When they recognized the horror that befell them, they
were inspired to do what needed to be done to prevent further
bloodshed, and they acted heroically.
As a member of Congress, I commend their actions. But also, as one
person who was hard at work that very day inside the Capitol Building--
the intended target of the fourth vicious attack--I, Sheila Jackson-
Lee, owe a personal debt of gratitude to those who lost their lives
that day, and their friends and family who survive. I humbly thank them
all.
Today I would also like to salute those first responders who helped
us all survive: the police, the firefighters, the paramedics, all the
medical professionals, and just plain ordinary people, the volunteers,
the men and women of the United States military who continue to stand
at the front line of freedom and opportunity and justice, the unsung
heroes, many of whom did not live to write their own songs, to tell
their own stories. We honor them all, the survivors and the deceased,
and all of their families. We honor them and thank them for their
sacrifices.
I spoke last year to a man who lost his wife in Somerset, PA, and his
words were chilling to me. It reminded me of the importance of the
resolve of this Nation and of this government. He said simply, ``I do
not understand. I'm still living through this. I do not know how I'm
going to get through it,'' For him and for the Nation, this fight is
not over. That gentleman, however, may take comfort in the way that
America has come together, in knowing that anytime America is attacked
that no American will stand alone, but instead we will stand together
arm-in-arm.
[[Page H8211]]
The U.S. government came together, with State, local, and Federal
officials working as one. In a country the size of America, there will
always be missteps, but for the most part, although we were diverse, we
did not use this time to attack any culture, or believers of any faith
or any distinctive ethnic group. We came together.
Again I think back to last year at the Pentagon, a building that has
long been a tremendous symbol of strength, and is now also an
embodiment of the American ability to survive. Though the smoke and
dust has settled at the Pentagon, a haze remains over America. We are
still in a fight for justice, a fight against terrorism, in an ongoing
war for freedom. But I know in my heart that we will emerge from that
haze. Through it we will see that same flag seen by Francis Scott Key.
For in response to his question:
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
I answer with a resounding and unequivocal, ``Yes. It surely does.''
God bless America and God bless its people.
Mr. TURNER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, I again want to thank Chairman Pombo for his
leadership on this legislation along with the gentleman from California
(Mr. Radanovich) as well as their Democratic counterparts, the
gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall) and the gentlewoman from the
Virgin Islands (Mrs. Christensen). They have done an outstanding job in
helping us put this bill together along with the 218 cosponsors who
joined us.
Also, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the staff who worked on this
bill over the last 2 years to be sure that it was in the proper form to
accomplish our objective. On the majority side, Rob Howarth did an
excellent job working on this bill, David Watson on the minority staff
as well, and Trent Ashby and Amy Valentine on my staff. And we
appreciate their good work.
Mr. Speaker, I would urge the House to adopt H.R. 911, legislation
creating a national memorial to the victims of terrorism.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time
Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to thank the gentleman from
Texas (Mr. Turner) for his perseverance in moving this bill through the
process. This has been a long time in coming. It is a bill that has
passed the House previously. I look forward to this bill being enacted
and being signed into law. And I urge my colleagues to support the
bill.
Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?
Mr. POMBO. I yield to the gentleman from Michigan.
Request to Add Member as Cosponsor
Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be added
as a cosponsor before we pass this legislation.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Petri). The Chair will not recognize
that request. The gentleman must go through the sponsor and be added.
Mr. TURNER. I certainly would welcome the cosponsorship, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, I would just urge my
colleagues for an aye vote on the legislation.
Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1538,
``The True American Heroes Act'' and H.R. 911 to create a ``Memorial
for Victims of Terrorism.'' Enacting both of these important bills
today is a fitting tribute to the victims of the terrorist attacks
launched against the United States two years ago this morning.
The September 11 attacks were devastating, but our Nation was never
weakened. The attacks were perpetrated because of the terrorists'
hatred of the American values of liberty, democracy and equality.
Hundreds of the victims were parents working hard every day and praying
for better futures filled with love and hope for their children. Some
victims were young children on their first airplane flight. Others were
sons and daughters, the pride of their families, making it on their own
in New York City. Twenty were U.S. soldiers, thirty-three were sailors,
sixty-one were federal civilian employees, and nine were Army and Navy
contractors beginning their morning at the Pentagon, and all of them
were living the American dream. Ordinary Americans were transformed
into heroes as the two jets brought down the World Trade Center, when
the third tore into the Pentagon, and when the fourth was thrust into a
Pennsylvania field. Two years from September 11, we remember and honor
those brave Americans, their sacrifice, and we promise to never forget
them.
Our nation has remained robust because our strength derives not from
tall skyscrapers or fleets of airliners, but because America is defined
more by its values than borders, and is defined less by our past than
by our promise. Rarely have those values of democracy and freedom been
more clearly demonstrated in our country's short history than on
September 11, 2001. As the gravest moments arrived, many ordinary
citizens fueled by instinct, courage and grace, rushed toward the
flaming buildings in order to rescue their fellow Americans or to
overwhelm terrorist-controlled cockpits in order to defeat their
destructive plans.
Every community was shocked and scarred by these catastrophes. My
hometown of Chicago suffered the loss of five women, who left their
friends and family bereft. But more than shock or horror, generosity,
strength and selflessness characterized Chicago's response. Although my
city is a thousand miles away from New York, Chicagoans rushed to
assist New Yorkers, Pentagon workers, and rural Pennsylvanians and
support them as our neighbors. Whether they were Chicago firefighters
hurrying to Ground Zero or school children writing letters to comfort
their fellow pupils in New York, Chicago responded with its renowned
heart and generosity. And so did every community across the country.
Mr. Speaker, we observe September 11 not only to recognize the lives
cut short by hatred, but also to honor the genuine American heroes.
These many men and women include firefighters, police officers,
paramedics, emergency technicians, and all rescue workers who cast
aside concern for their own safety to rush to save the lives of other
Americans in harm's way. Their bravery and commitment serve as shining
examples of why they remain role models that our children emulate.
We must also pause today to honor the sacrifices and continuing
heroism of our courageous service men and women who left family and
friends in order to defend our nation in the global war against terror.
U.S. troops are fighting, sacrificing and serving extended tours of
duty so that the men, women and children of Afghanistan, Iraq and other
nations suffering under the heavy burden of tyranny and terror may
share the freedom and inalienable human rights that Americans enjoy. We
owe them our resolve to defeat terrorism, and to ensure that here at
home leaders are charting the proper course.
Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate to reflect today on how we as a nation
can better demonstrate American values. As we nurture burgeoning
democracies beyond foreign shores, we must also align our priorities
with human rights and with freedom here at home. Let those left behind
pay tribute to those who died by reaffirming our commitment as a nation
to freedom and defense of human dignity, and in so doing keep our
nation strong. To that end, I strongly support this legislation
creating a memorial for the victims of terrorism, and ensuring that our
public safety workers have all the resources that they need to do their
jobs continuing to prepare and protect America.
Mr. McNULTY. Mr. Speaker, in marking the second anniversary of the
terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, we remember and honor the
3,000 innocent men, women and children who lost their lives that day.
We continue to grieve with, and reach out to, the families of the
victims.
We also continue to express our gratitude to our ``First
Responders.'' We should take a moment, again, to honor and thank the
firefighters, police officers, and other emergency personnel who
continue to put their lives on the line, day in and day out, to protect
us from dangers, both foreign and domestic.
On the solemn anniversary of these terrible attacks, we are reminded
that a terrorist is, by definition, a coward--a person who cannot get
what he wants by the power of persuasion and therefore resorts to
killing innocent people. The attacks of September 11, 2001, were basic
violations of the fundamental principle that life is to give, not to
take. We must continue to show the world that the forces of evil shall
not prevail. We pray for the brave American men and women serving in
our Armed Forces, and we continue to pray for the victims and their
families and wish them strength as they carry on in spite of their
tremendous loss.
Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, we learn from the Bible in Romans 12:21,
``Be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.'' In the a.m.
hours of September 11, 2001, a great evil befell America. Around 3000
lives were lost and over 281 million American felt the pain of their
passing. Two years later we still feel that loss.
Victims of this terrible tragedy came from all across this country,
including Dr. Paul Ambrose of my home state of West Virginia, a
talented and public-spirited young physician, was on the airplane that
the terrorists crashed into the Pentagon.
[[Page H8212]]
The two grand towers of New York City, the symbol of our Nation's
strength here in Washington, DC, a field in Southern Pennsylvania, and
America itself was struck a mighty blow two years ago, but on that day,
the enduring spirit of the United States of America overcame evil with
the human goodness and love of their fellow man and woman.
In the aftermath of the attacks, Americans across our great land,
including my home State of West Virginia, volunteered their services.
Policemen, firemen, doctors, nurses, steelworkers, construction crews,
plumbers, electricians, engineers, including members IOUE's National
Hazardous Materials Program based in Beaver, West Virginia. Don Carson,
the program's director, and a team of workers from the Beaver facility
were among the first out-of-state workers to arrive at Ground Zero
immediately after the September 11th terrorist attacks. They and many
more giving individuals put their lives on hold to help in the search
for the lives of others and to assist in the immense job of rebuilding
New York, Washington, DC, Pennsylvania, and the rest of America.
But, there was one thing they did not have to rebuild and that was
America's resolve. Never had its presence been stronger. We suffered
the worst attack on our own soil against civilians that this country
has ever experienced, and though the number of lives lost was
devastating, the world witnessed America's resolve on that fateful day.
Partrick Henry told us in the beginnings of what would be the most
powerful Nation in the world, ``United we stand. Divided we fall.''
Americans from all creeds, all religions, all backgrounds, from north
to south, east to west, united behind each other that Tuesday morning
and for the days that followed, proving Patrick Henry's words true.
Though the World Trade Center towers eventually collapsed under great
stress from heat and pressure, for the last two years America never
waffled.
I am proud to be an American today, and I am proud to say that many
my fellow West Virginians have given of themselves so much to those who
suffered two years ago and who still feel the pain of loss. We have
stood together in the face of great, unspeakable tragedy and we will
continue to stand together in the face of triumph.
May God bless this great Nation, and give us the strength to serve
his will.
Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time for debate has expired.
Pursuant to the order of the House of Wednesday, September 10, 2003,
the previous question is ordered on the bill, as amended.
The question is on the engrossment and third reading of the bill.
The bill was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time, was read
the third time, and passed, and a motion to reconsider was laid on the
table.
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