[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 3 (Thursday, January 8, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S207]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                    TRIBUTE TO DEBRA BROWN STEINBERG

 Mr. BROWNBACK. Mr. President, I commend Debra Brown Steinberg, 
an extraordinary woman who I have had the honor of working with for the 
last few years.
  Debra has been a tireless fighter for the families of 9/11 victims. 
While continuing to work fulltime as a partner at the law firm of 
Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, Debra spearheaded her firm's pro 
bono efforts to assist the families left behind.
  The cases she handled were complicated, involving myriad issues. Many 
families faced social service, financial and immigration complications. 
Rather than addressing simply the legal aspects of each case, Debra 
worked to connect organizations, agencies, and policies to tackle cases 
in their entirety.
  In May of 2002, New York State passed the September 11 Victims and 
Families Relief Act, large portions of which Debra helped draft. She 
also contributed to the Federal September 11th Family Humanitarian 
Relief and Patriotism Act, which was introduced by Senator Lautenberg 
in the 110th Congress.
  Debra's outstanding work has already been recognized by numerous 
current and former Members of Congress, Presidential candidates, 
authors, activists, religious leaders, the New York State Bar 
Association, and many distinguished publications. She has received the 
Ellis Island Medal of Freedom and commendations from the New York City 
Fire Department and Chief of Police. No one, however, can better speak 
to Debra's service than the families themselves. In a thank-you note, a 
sister of one of the victims wrote:

       [Debra] held us, offered her shoulder, and made us feel 
     that it is still worthwhile to continue this passage. Thank 
     God for this Angel.

  For the last 7 years, Debra Steinberg has fought for justice for a 
group of people forgotten in the shadows of this terrible tragedy. She 
has given selflessly of her time and expertise to help those in need 
and is an example to others and a credit to our country. I am proud to 
call her my friend.

                          ____________________