[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 119 (Thursday, September 21, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1795]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 EXPRESSING SENSE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON FIFTH ANNIVERSARY 
 OF TERRORIST ATTACKS LAUNCHED AGAINST THE UNITED STATES SEPTEMBER 11, 
                                  2001

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesay, September 13, 2006

  Ms. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the 
men, women, and children who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001 
terrorist attacks on America and to honor the heroic efforts of our 
first responders on that fateful day.
  It is more than fitting that the resolution before us today remember 
the innocent victims of September 11 and pay tribute to the countless 
first responders who at their own peril responded to the horror of that 
day.
  It is unfortunate then that the Republican leadership has chosen this 
solemn time to play politics and divide this House by inserting into 
this legislation references to several controversial and partisan 
pieces of legislation.
  It is true that Democrats and Republican disagree over the policies 
of the administration and the Republican leadership. These policy 
differences include the Republican budget cuts in time of war, the 
failure to ensure the safety of our seaports, the failure to fully 
inspect aviation cargo against terrorist attacks, and the failure to 
provide our first responders with critical resources and equipment to 
adequately respond to a disaster.
  It is also true that Democrats have a new direction to address these 
and other security concerns and the failures of this administration to 
adequately prepare our country for another large scale disaster. But 
the Republican leadership dishonors the spirit of this solemn 
anniversary by including divisive language in this resolution.
  Controversial issues, such as certain provisions of the PATRIOT Act 
and the Border Protection Act, have no place in a resolution that 
commemorates the events of September 11, 2001. And I deeply regret that 
my Republican colleagues have unnecessarily cast a shadow on this 
solemn anniversary.
  On the fifth anniversary of the September attacks, let us remember 9/
11 not with political shenanigans but by respectfully remembering those 
who lost their lives and by honoring them with legislation that 
provides real homeland security for the families and friends they left 
behind and all Americans.

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