[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 36 (Monday, March 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E514-E515]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING BEVERLY ECKERT'S SERVICE TO THE NATION AND PARTICULARLY TO 
     THE SURVIVORS AND FAMILIES OF THE SEPTEMBER 11, 2001, ATTACKS

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 2, 2009

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution 
recognizing Beverly Eckert's service to the Nation and in particular to 
the survivors and families of the September 11, 2001 attacks. I am 
deeply saddened by the loss of such an inspirational and courageous 
woman, and extend my deepest sympathies to her family and friends on 
their loss.
  Beverly Eckert was the widow of Mr. Sean Rooney, who died in the 
September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. 
Beverly had been among the most visible faces of the victims families 
in the aftermath of the attacks. Following her husband's death, Beverly 
co-founded ``Voices of September 11'',

[[Page E515]]

an advocacy group for survivors and 9/11 families. Beverly was 
instrumental in the development and growth of this important advocacy 
group, which now claims more than 5,500 members.
  Beverly and other members of the Voices of September 11 testified 
before the 9/11 Commission to help report on the September 11th 
terrorists attacks. Beverly worked admirably with the 110th Congress 
and was a key proponent in the final passage of the ``Implementing the 
9/11 Commission Recommendations Act of 2007''--the important 
legislation to effectuate the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission to 
prevent, prepare, and respond to acts of terrorism.
  All too tragically, Beverly lost her life in the devastating crash of 
Continental Connection Flight 3407 on February 12, 2009. As the 
tireless advocate she was, Beverly was on her way to Buffalo to mark 
what would have been her husband's birthday and launch a scholarship in 
his memory. We have all lost an inspiring and tenacious woman in 
Beverly. We must continue to honor her memory and her accomplishments, 
and carry on her mission.
  This resolution acknowledges Beverly's service to the Nation and 
particularly to the survivors and families of the September 11, 2001, 
attacks; recognizes Beverly's work to help bring about implementation 
of the 9/11 Commission recommendations to prepare, prevent, and respond 
to acts of terrorism; and extends its deepest condolences to the family 
of Beverly Eckert and the families of all those who lost their lives 
due to the crash of Continental Connection Flight 3407.
  I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, honor the life of 
Beverly Eckert, and commemorate her valuable service to the 9/11 
survivors and families and to this country.

                          ____________________