[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 126 (Monday, September 15, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1784]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN OBSERVANCE OF THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF THE ATTACKS OF SEPTEMBER 11, 
                                  2001

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J. RANDY FORBES

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 15, 2003

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, it is hard to believe that two short years 
ago this day, our Nation was plagued by horrendous and vicious 
terrorist attacks against innocent Americans in New York, Pennsylvania, 
and our very own Commonwealth.
  September 11, 2001 was not the beginning of terrorism against the 
United States. Defense officials tell us that terrorism has posed a 
risk to our national security for decades, but too often was not 
considered a large enough threat to heed those warnings. September 11 
awoke us to the threat of terrorism. It was forever bookmarked in our 
history as the day when life as Americans knew it, changed forever.
  The attacks on September 11, 2001 made us feel horrified, scared and 
angry. But as a result of the senseless attacks, Americans found a 
renewed sense of patriotism. American flags began to fly not just from 
flagpoles, but they appeared in windows, on doors and vehicles. Just 
hours after the attacks, men, women and children all across the country 
held vigils and waved flags showing support for those who lost their 
lives. The terrorists took many lives and caused our Nation to grieve, 
but through that grief Americans rose up and refused to let those 
terrorists take away their spirit and love of America.
  I visited the Pentagon a few days after September 11, and I still 
remember so vividly the smell of terror surrounding the entire building 
and complex. I was angry that such a brutal act of violence was 
committed against innocent people.
  Since the tragedies, the Department of Homeland Security was 
established to prevent terrorist attacks within the United States, 
reduce U.S. vulnerability to terrorism, and most importantly, to share 
intelligence information among government agencies and departments.
  Comprehensive anti-terrorism legislation provides new tools for law 
enforcement and for improved information sharing among Federal agencies 
to address terrorist threats. A ``clearinghouse'' was created to serve 
as the central location where all foreign- and domestically-generated 
terrorist threat and intelligence information is collected and 
reviewed. It is imperative that we harness that knowledge and use it to 
protect all Americans and help stop terrorist networks.
  New laws are now in place to help prevent acts of bioterrorism. 
Enhanced controls on deadly biological agents have been implemented, as 
well as protections to ensure the safety of the food we eat and the 
water we drink. Just last week, Health and Human Services Secretary 
Tommy Thompson announced that Virginia will receive over $31 million in 
Federal funding to help bolster public health preparedness, and make 
improvements to hospitals to handle mass-casualty incidents.
  Great strides have been made in securing our country and helping to 
fix some of the longstanding problems that we have had with the 
Immigration and Naturalization Service. While there is still much left 
to do, we are moving closer to a system that keeps terrorists out of 
our country, yet provides a fair and efficient service to those who 
justly migrate into the United States.
  We are continuing to strengthen security in our airports, and have 
also taken steps to keep Americans safe while flying. Commercial 
airline pilots are now trained and equipped with firearms in the event 
of a terrorist attack on-board the plane. In addition, the number of 
Federal air marshals has been increased by 5,000 to respond to 
potential terrorist threats or attacks on commercial flights.
  I also introduced legislation that makes it easier to prosecute 
terrorists who try to use chemical weapons or other weapons of mass 
destruction within the United States. I am hopeful that the Judiciary 
Committee will take action on this important legislation soon.
  We grieved with each other two years ago for the loss of our loved 
ones, friends, neighbors, coworkers and so many others who perished. 
Nothing will ever repair the losses we suffered as a nation. But today, 
their memories live on in our hearts and minds. As Americans, we have 
always had a strong willingness to stand hand-in-hand when times are 
tough. We must continue to show our patriotism for our great Nation, 
and show the world that America will not stand for terrorism.
  May God bless you and your family on this solemn day.

                          ____________________