[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 106 (Thursday, September 9, 2004)]
[House]
[Page H6905]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             INTRODUCING H.R. 5038, THE AMERICAN HEROES ACT

  (Mr. KIRK asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. KIRK. Madam Speaker, we will soon double the size of this 
Capitol, adding a new Visitors Center. As the first thing visitors see, 
this space must reflect the values of our Nation and the way it 
inspires young Americans to public service.
  Today I am leading a bipartisan group of Members to introduce the 
American Heroes Act, H.R. 5038. The act authorizes a statue honoring 
the people of United Flight 93 who fought the first battle in the war 
on terror over the skies of Pennsylvania. But for their sacrifice, the 
Capitol might have been destroyed.
  We also authorize each State to add one new hero after essay contests 
in America's high schools. In this way, the new entrance to our temple 
of democracy will have new heroes adding to the pantheon in the 
Capitol.
  As we approach the third anniversary of September 11, let us honor 
the heroes of Flight 93 who gave their lives to protect Washington, and 
let us also make sure that when this Capitol expands, it is filled with 
men and women who inspire us, especially young Americans, to public 
service.

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