[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 66 (Wednesday, May 5, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H3140-H3144]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR PROMPT RESPONSE TO ATTEMPTED TERRORIST ATTACK IN 
                              TIMES SQUARE

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 1320) expressing support for the vigilance and 
prompt response of the citizens of New York City, the New York Police 
Department, the New York Police Department Bomb Squad, the Fire 
Department of New York, other first responders, the Federal Bureau of 
Investigation, United States Customs and Border Protection, the United 
States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, the 
Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, the New 
York Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department, 
Detective Bureau, Patrol Division, and other law enforcement agencies 
in Connecticut to the attempted terrorist attack in Times Square on May 
1, 2010, their exceptional professionalism and investigative work 
following the attempted attack, and their consistent commitment to 
preparedness for and collective response to terrorism, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1320

       Whereas on Saturday, May 1, 2010, an individual drove a 
     vehicle loaded with explosive materials to Times Square in 
     New York City and attempted to detonate a car bomb;
       Whereas on the same day, two alert citizens, Mr. Lance 
     Orton and Mr. Duane Jackson, notified the New York Police 
     Department about a suspicious vehicle that was parked on 45th 
     Street in Times Square;
       Whereas on the same day, New York City Police Officer Wayne 
     Rhatigan, while patrolling on horse, responded to the reports 
     of a suspicious vehicle and acted swiftly with his colleagues 
     in the New York Police Department and the Fire Department of 
     New York to thwart the detonation of the car bomb;
       Whereas New York City first responders safely evacuated 
     hundreds of people from Times Square and responded in a 
     prompt and effective manner, as the result of extensive 
     terrorism preparedness efforts that are supported, in part, 
     by the Department of Homeland Security; and
       Whereas in response to the Times Square incident, the 
     Transportation Security Administration has enhanced ongoing 
     efforts to increase security on various transportation modes: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) commends the actions of Mr. Lance Orton and Mr. Duane 
     Jackson for promptly alerting appropriate authorities about 
     the suspicious vehicle in Times Square on May 1, 2010;
       (2) urges all Americans to remain vigilant about potential 
     terrorist or suspicious activity within their own communities 
     and report such activity to the appropriate authorities;
       (3) recognizes the New York City Police Department, in 
     particular Police Officer Wayne Rhatigan of Mounted Unit 
     Troop B, the Fire Department of New York, the New York Police 
     Department Bomb Squad, led by Lieutenant Mark Torre and other 
     first responders, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United 
     States Customs and Border Protection, the United States 
     Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, the 
     Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, 
     the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Bridgeport 
     Police Department, Detective Bureau, Patrol Division, and 
     other law enforcement agencies in Connecticut for their 
     consistent commitment to preparedness for and collective 
     response to terrorism;
       (4) recognizes the exceptional professionalism and 
     investigative work by the New York Police Department, the New 
     York Police Department Bomb Squad, the Fire Department of New 
     York, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States 
     Customs and Border Protection, the United States Attorney's 
     Office for the Southern District of New York, the Department 
     of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, the New York 
     Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department, 
     Detective Bureau, Patrol Division, and other law enforcement 
     agencies in Connecticut in apprehending a suspect only 53 
     hours following the attempted bombing; and
       (5) urges all Federal agencies to continue to work with 
     State, local, and tribal partners to bolster preparedness for 
     and prevention of terrorism.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Pascrell) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Dent) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey.


                             General Leave

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks 
and insert extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New Jersey?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. PASCRELL. I rise in support of this resolution, and I yield 
myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution with my very 
good friend from Pennsylvania (Mr. Dent) honoring and expressing 
support for the vigilance and prompt response of the citizens and the 
law enforcement agencies in New York and Connecticut as well as all the 
Federal authorities and agencies to the attempted terrorist attack in 
Times Square on May 1, 2010, their exceptional professionalism and 
investigative work following the attempted attack, and their consistent 
commitment to preparedness for and collective response to terrorism.
  Mr. Speaker, I have long said that real homeland security starts on 
our streets, not in the halls of Washington, D.C. That's never been a 
truer statement than today. This shows yet again why we need to support 
our local first responders--police, fire, EMTs. Another example. They 
were first to respond before any Federal agencies got involved. That's 
how it usually always is, be it a manmade catastrophe or a natural 
catastrophe. These are the individuals who are the first on the scene 
long before those Federal authorities show up. These are the people who 
are the eyes and ears of our national security.
  Fifty-three hours and seventeen minutes. This is what it took, Mr. 
Speaker, for the Federal law enforcement agencies, including the 
Department of Homeland Security, to identify and find and apprehend 
Faisal Shahzad, the prime suspect for this attempted act of terror on 
American citizens. In these 53 hours and 17 minutes, the New York 
Police Department, working with Federal and State law enforcement 
agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and others, 
unraveled the tangled web that eventually led to Shahzad's arrest. I 
thank them. We all thank them.
  We acknowledge, however, a few people and groups. First, the 
alertness and awareness of Mr. Lance Orton and Mr. Duane Jackson for 
``seeing something'' on the streets of New York which were out of 
order; for ``saying something'' to law enforcement; and not hesitating 
to do so. If it were not for these men, many others could have been 
hurt and

[[Page H3141]]

Shahzad might not have been apprehended. Think about it. This is the 
kind of vigilance which is vital to homeland security efforts. We were 
seconds away from an ignition, a fireball. Who really knows the measure 
of death and destruction if that incendiary would have been ignited. 
Who really knows to this day.
  I want to thank the citizens of New York for helping and cooperating 
with law enforcement during the precautionary evacuations in the 
vicinity of Times Square. I want to acknowledge New Yorkers and their 
resilient nature and ability to return to life as normal. Perhaps I 
cannot do justice to it as my brother Mr. King would do, but you will 
have to accept me for now because he's not here.
  I want to express my deep appreciation for the professionalism and 
collective response of the following law enforcement agencies: the New 
York City Police Department. Always there. Always on duty. Always 
knowing that their city is a target. Always looking to find out 
information to prevent anything from happening to their citizens.

                              {time}  1115

  How about Police Officer Wayne Rhatigan of the Mounted Unit Troop B, 
the Fire Department of New York, the New York Police Department Bomb 
Squad. Look, they put their lives on the line. They could have gone 
much slower, that's not their job. That--no one knew--could have been a 
deep bomb explosion. They put themselves on the line. We respect them. 
Rather than simply pat them on the back, we must commit ourselves--both 
sides of the aisle--to make sure that we are always there for our first 
responders and not simply be there to say thank you, but beforehand, 
give them the resources that they need to defend America and its 
neighborhoods.
  The New York Police Department Bomb Squad, beyond the regular day of 
duty, led by Lieutenant Mark Torre, and other first responders; the 
Federal Bureau of Investigation; United States Customs and Border 
Protection--we know how this character was finally corralled, at the 
airport on a plane; the Transportation Security Administration, TSA; 
the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New 
York; the Department of Homeland Security; the Department of Justice; 
the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which has been a model for the 
rest of this country; the Bridgeport Police Department, who did so much 
work in cooperation with Federal authorities to go to the former home 
of the perpetrator, the alleged perpetrator, whichever you desire; the 
Detective Bureau; the Patrol Division up in Bridgeport; and other law 
enforcement agencies in Connecticut.
  Finally, I want to thank our private sector partners, too. If 
Emirates Airlines did not comply with Federal procedures, we might not 
have apprehended Mr. Shahzad as he was fleeing the country.
  Mr. Speaker, while I know others may say that we just got lucky, I 
say that they're missing the point. Our post-9/11 efforts to foster 
greater vigilance among our citizens and a culture of preparedness and 
collaboration among our first responders and law enforcement paid off. 
We stayed true to our cherished constitutional principles as we 
initiated this wide-scale collective response to terrorism.
  Simply put, Mr. Speaker, while the time line for identifying and 
apprehending the suspect--53 hours and 17 minutes--is impressive, it is 
the continued vigilance and demonstrated commitment to working together 
to keep our country secure which is really impressive, and in awe it 
leaves us.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume, 
and I would like to certainly associate myself with the comments of my 
good friend from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell) on this occasion.
  I rise today, as do many others in this Chamber, in support of House 
Resolution 1320, which commends the vigilance of the many individuals 
and organizations that helped prevent what could have been a 
catastrophic terrorist attack in Times Square this past weekend.
  We should all be extraordinarily thankful that alert street vendors 
saw something out of place and promptly alerted authorities, who took 
immediate action to secure the scene and ensure the safety of the many 
people who are in and around Times Square, which has been called the 
``Crossroads of the World.''
  This incident is only the most recent in a string of attempted 
attacks on New York City. This attack and recent plots to blow up the 
New York City subway trains and pipelines at JFK Airport--which have 
also been disrupted--show that Islamic terrorists have their sights set 
squarely on New York City.
  This whole notion of homegrown radicalization is something that we 
are all deeply concerned about. There is the radical cleric in Yemen, 
Anwar al-Awlaki, for example, who has been involved with many of the 
attacks or attempted attacks, including Major Hasan at Fort Hood, 
Texas, or Abdulmutallab, the so-called ``underwear bomber,'' and his 
attempted Christmas Day attack. And we have others out there, too, who 
are homegrown radicals, and it is an increasing concern. Now the most 
recent radicalization that we've seen here is, of course, Mr. Shahzad. 
But these plots should have served to reinforce our efforts to secure 
New York City and every other city in America from devastating 
terrorist attacks.
  The administration, unfortunately, had proposed cutting funding for 
or eliminating critical Homeland Security initiatives in New York and 
elsewhere. There are many initiatives that need to be addressed 
immediately, such as the Securing the Cities program, which is a 
successful State and local partnership to help prevent nuclear and 
radiological terrorism in and around New York. The House has passed 
legislation to authorize funding for this important initiative, for 
which the administration has proposed eliminating.
  The administration has also proposed dismantling the U.S. Coast 
Guard's New York City-based Maritime Safety and Security Team, which 
strengthens the maritime security in and around the city. These 
reductions are being proposed at the same time that the administration 
has pursued trying alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in 
civilian court just blocks away from where the World Trade Center once 
stood.
  We should be more concerned about properly funding counterterrorism 
initiatives and finding every way possible to make sure that New York 
and our entire country is as secure as possible instead of bringing 
terrorists to America and granting them rights to which they are not 
entitled.
  We all owe a huge debt of gratitude, of course, to the New York 
Police Department, to the Fire Department of New York, the FBI, Customs 
and Border Protection, and alert citizens who saw something and said 
something to help us dodge a potentially very deadly bullet.
  I hope that Congress and the administration get serious about 
properly funding important initiatives that will strengthen the 
security of New York City and our entire country because we may not be 
so lucky the next time New York or any other city comes under attack.
  Again, I want to commend everybody involved with helping to derail 
this attempted attack, especially the Police Department of New York and 
the FBI, and everybody else who was involved. I commend Mr. McMahon for 
bringing this legislation to the floor.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PASCRELL. May I inquire as to how much time we have remaining on 
both sides?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from New Jersey has 12 
minutes. The gentleman from Pennsylvania has 16 minutes.
  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to Mr. Hall from New 
York.
  Mr. HALL of New York. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  I rise today in support of H. Res. 1320, honoring the brave Americans 
who acted quickly and professionally to keep the attempted bombing in 
Times Square last Saturday from becoming a tragedy.
  The people of New York City, the New York Police and Fire 
Departments, the New York Bomb Squad, and others worked together to 
identify the attack, evacuate civilians, and then defuse the device.

[[Page H3142]]

  In particular, I would like to call attention to the actions of Duane 
Jackson and Lance Orton, both disabled Vietnam veterans who work as 
street vendors in Times Square. I have the honor of representing Mr. 
Jackson, who lives in the town of Buchanan in Westchester County. His 
and Mr. Orton's quick thinking turned what could have been a tragedy 
into an example of American heroism. All New Yorkers and Americans owe 
them a debt of gratitude that there were no grieving families on 
Saturday night. They served their country once again and showed the 
remarkable character of the men and women who wear the uniform of this 
country and continue to serve long after they take that uniform off.
  Events like this are calculated to strike fear into our hearts, even 
when they fail. However, they also serve as a reminder that in this 
great Nation we are surrounded by everyday heroes like Lance Orton and 
Duane Jackson.
  Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PASCRELL. At this time, Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentlelady from California (Ms. Pelosi), the Speaker of the House of 
Representatives.
  Ms. PELOSI. I thank the gentleman for yielding and thank him for 
bringing this resolution to the floor so that we can all rise and sing 
the praises for the vigilance and sense of community of New Yorkers, 
the courage of our first responders, and the professionalism, 
commitment, and determination of our local, State, and Federal law 
enforcement officers. We salute them. They were prepared. They were 
ready to act. They calmly did what was necessary. And because of their 
swift action, the people of New York and the entire Nation remain safe.
  I thank Congressmen McMahon, Himes, Hall, and all of our colleagues 
who have sponsored this resolution, recognizing the bravery and, again, 
the vigilance of individuals and officers of New York and Connecticut 
as well as the leadership of the FBI, the Department of Homeland 
Security, the Department of Justice, and the Obama administration.
  In the wake of this foiled terrorist plot, we are inspired by the 
true character of the American people. We recall that our country's 
spirit can always be found in the hearts and deeds of its citizens, 
people like Lance Orton and Duane Jackson, ``two alert citizens''--and 
aren't we fortunate for that--as this resolution calls them, who 
notified the NYPD of a suspicious vehicle in Times Square. The whole 
country learned of their vigilance and their sense of community.
  Our country's resolve rests with police officers such as Wayne 
Rhatigan of the NYPD, who responded immediately to the scene and, with 
his fellow officers and with the men and women of the New York Fire 
Department, thwarted the detonation of the car bomb.
  Our country's strength remains with first responders who run into 
danger when others run out, who safely and promptly evacuated Times 
Square, protecting those in harm's way. Our country's determination 
lies with law enforcement at the local, State, and Federal levels who 
worked together, pursued leads, and detained the bomber within 2 days 
of the attempted attack, never resting until the job was done.
  At moments like this, Congress reaffirms our responsibility, as we do 
each day, Mr. Speaker, as we pledge to protect and defend the 
Constitution of the United States from all enemies, foreign and 
domestic. That responsibility is to protect the American people as 
well. That is our first responsibility.
  As this resolution states, we ``urge all Americans to remain vigilant 
about potential terrorists or suspicious activity within their own 
communities.'' We must follow the example of the people of New York 
who, as President Obama has said, ``have reminded us once again of how 
to live with their heads held high.''
  Mr. Hall, in his closing remarks, said that the attempt by this 
terrorist to instill fear was thwarted. The goal of terrorists is to 
instill fear. The damage is one thing to them, but the fear is really 
their goal. In that way, in both parts of the attempt, it was thwarted. 
The violent attack was thwarted, but also, as the President said, we 
will not be intimidated.
  This past weekend, everyday Americans joined our police officers, 
firefighters, first responders, Homeland Security officials, FBI 
agents, and other law enforcement personnel as heroes. They are all 
heroes, and we salute them as such on the floor of the House. Their 
efforts represent the best in America. Their response serves as an 
inspiration to us all to stay prepared and do everything we can to keep 
our great country safe.
  Again, I thank Mr. Pascrell for bringing this resolution to the floor 
and join in a bipartisan way in saluting the heroes of New York.
  Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to the time remaining?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from New Jersey has 10 minutes 
remaining.
  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Connecticut (Mr. Himes), a member of the Homeland Security Committee.

                              {time}  1130

  Mr. HIMES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the vigilant citizens 
and law enforcement officials of New York City and Connecticut whose 
efforts resulted in bringing Faisal Shahzad into custody a mere 53 
hours after his failed bomb attempt in Times Square this past weekend.
  From the alertness of Lance Orton and Duane Jackson, noticing a 
suspicious vehicle in midtown Manhattan on Saturday, to the response of 
the NYPD to the report, to the arrest of Mr. Shahzad late Monday 
evening, to the ongoing investigation into how the bombing happened, 
local, State, and Federal law enforcement officials have led a 
coordinated effort that will bring the facts forward, allow us to learn 
and improve, and bring the terrorist to justice.
  Without this interagency communication, this incident could have 
escalated into a far more serious and dangerous incident. We must 
continue to work with State and local partners to bolster preparedness 
and terrorism prevention efforts.
  To my constituents in Connecticut, I know that the discovery that the 
suspect in the Times Square bombing attempt has been living in 
Fairfield County is a jarring reminder that, due to our proximity to 
New York City, we face special and uncertain security concerns. 
Fairfield County was uniquely impacted by 9/11, and this incident is a 
timely reminder that we must remain sensitive and alert to our unique 
vulnerability.
  I want to specifically recognize the Bridgeport Police Department, 
including Captain James Viadero and members of the detective bureau, as 
well as the Bridgeport Police Department's patrol division and members 
of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, supervised by Sergeant Juan 
Gonzalez, Jr., for their role in the events of the last few days. I 
thank all who helped avert a catastrophe.
  Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I wonder what would have happened if 
Officer Rhatigan was not on the scene to be alerted by the two citizens 
I mentioned before. This is exactly why we need to fund our first 
responders based on security needs. We need no other barometer. 
America's intelligence agencies, law enforcement agencies, are critical 
to the task of protecting our citizens and our neighborhoods. But also 
on duty every day are our first responders--that local responder is the 
first. On 9/11 they were the first to respond. And a few days ago they 
were the first to respond after being alerted by two citizens of New 
York. Keep this in mind every day when we see the EMTs and the 
firefighters of our local towns and our police officers on duty. They 
need more than a pat on the back. They need more than our 
encouragement. They need our votes to make sure that we sustain the 
resources necessary for them to protect all of America.
  I know when these things happen, we rise up and then a few days later 
we might just forget, but we cannot forget.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have presented this resolution today 
along with the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Dent).
  Mr. NADLER of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. 
Res. 1320.

[[Page H3143]]

  H. Res. 1320 describes what happened on Saturday, May 1, 2010, 
concerning the car bomb discovered in Times Square. As the Member of 
Congress who represents Times Square, I am particularly concerned about 
these events. We came perilously close to a terrible tragedy, with 
widespread injuries and loss of life.
  As described by this resolution, it was thanks to the alertness of 
two fellow New Yorkers, Mr. Lance Orton and Mr. Duane Jackson, that we 
first became aware of the car bomb. They brought it to the attention of 
the New York Police Department, NYPD. The heroes of the NYPD and FDNY 
then secured the area, took care of the bomb, and safely evacuated 
those nearby.
  Subsequently, agents and officials with the NYPD, Department of 
Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland 
Security, DHS, and other law enforcement agencies worked quickly and 
diligently to apprehend the alleged perpetrator, Faisal Shahzad. Due to 
their speed, they apprehended him before he could flee the country. I 
want to salute all of those involved in addressing this situation and 
acting to protect the public. I sincerely thank them for their service.
  The events of this past weekend should be a loud wake-up call to all 
Americans. It is a stark reminder that there are sick people in this 
world who think it is right to murder innocent men, women, and children 
to make political points. It is a stark reminder that these sick people 
will stop at nothing to bring this war of terror to America. And, it is 
a stark reminder that New York City is a prime target.
  To protect New York City, and the millions of people who live, work, 
and visit each day, we need more antiterrorism funding directed there. 
The formulas used to distribute such funds, while improved, still 
ignore the reality that New York City is the number one target. 
Increased funds could be used, for example, to support more and better 
surveillance cameras for public places, as well as for a larger police 
presence.
  More money also could be used to fund the Securing the Cities 
Initiative. This effort is designed to prevent a radiological or 
nuclear device from coming into a major city like New York. The horror 
of what could have happened if the car bomb in Times Square had 
contained radiological or nuclear material is unimaginable. I have 
supported efforts to properly fund this program, and I will continue to 
do so.
  Further, it is important to remember that our ports, including New 
York City, remain vulnerable. I fought for, and we enacted into law, a 
requirement that 100 percent of shipping containers coming into the 
United States be scanned electronically before they arrive in this 
country. If we wait until a container with a radiological or nuclear 
device gets to our shores, it is already too late. We need to stop such 
shipments before they are here. The 100 percent scanning requirement 
takes effect in 2012, but DHS has indicated they likely will miss the 
deadline. I call on fellow Members of Congress concerned about 
terrorism to help me see that it is implemented fully, and as soon as 
possible.
  These are just a few ways we could make our country safer. The 
attempted attack on Times Square tells us we have no time to waste. To 
protect ourselves and our country, we must act now.
  I want to thank Representative Michael McMahon for introducing H. 
Res. 1320. I also want to again thank the heroes who acted so quickly 
to take care of what otherwise could have been a deadly situation. I 
urge all Members to support this resolution.
  Mr. McMAHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, to urge my colleagues to pass 
H. Res. 1320, a resolution honoring the citizens of New York City, the 
brave men and women of the NYPD, the FDNY, and all our federal and 
state partners in law enforcement and homeland security for their 
vigilance and prompt response to the attempted terrorist attack in 
Times Square this past Saturday, May 1, 2010.
  I heard the news of the Times Square incident while traveling in 
Afghanistan and Pakistan, examining the connections between extremism 
across the world and terrorist attacks on our own soil.
  And given the events of this past week, and the arrest of Faisal 
Shahzad the link is far too clear.
  This resolution, which I introduced with my colleagues Congressman 
Jim Himes, and Congressman John Hall, along with the entire New York 
delegation, is in honor of New York City's local law enforcement teams, 
federal agencies and vigilant citizens for keeping our city, people and 
country safe. We commend their excellent, professional police and 
investigative work that led to the quick arrest of this terrorist.
  Unfortunately, the fear of terrorism is never far from the mind of 
any New Yorker.
  On Saturday, we were all reminded of the heart-felt loss that we 
endured nine years ago on September 11, 2001 and how much our world has 
changed since that tragic day.
  New York City remains our nation's number one terrorist target--our 
greatest symbol of freedom, diversity, and entrepreneurial spirit. It 
is our nation's financial and cultural capital and as New York Police 
Commissioner Ray Kelly said yesterday, the terrorists are going to keep 
trying to attack us in New York City again and again.
  That is why the federal government must increase homeland security 
funding and protection for New York City. Anti-terror funding must be 
distributed in a way that prioritizes those areas that are most at risk 
for future attacks.
  I urge this body to increase funding and security programs in high 
priority areas like New York because protecting the homeland is just 
too important for politics as usual. Found immediately after the 
botched attack was a map on the Metro North Railroad to Connecticut 
identifying my own beloved Staten Island Ferry as a target and the 
subway stops that serve the Manhattan terminal as potential targets.
  Walt Whitman once said that ``The genius of the United States is not 
best or most in its executives or legislatures, nor in its ambassadors 
or authors or colleges, or churches, or parlors, nor even in its 
newspapers or inventors, but always most in the common people.''
  On Saturday, two Times Square vendors--Mr. Lance Orton and Mr. Duane 
Jackson--saw smoke billowing out of a SUV parked on West 45th Street in 
Times Square and took action.
  They immediately contacted New York City Police Officer Wayne 
Rhatigan who started evacuating the area and called for additional NYPD 
and FDNY support, including the bomb squad.
  These people saw something wrong and said something--and their 
actions saved lives and led to the arrest of a man who was seeking to 
kill countless numbers of innocent people.
  Although, the actions of everyone involved in preventing Saturday's 
potential tragedy are remarkable, all Americans need to remain alert--
and we in the Congress need to support the brave men and women of the 
NYPD, and law enforcement officers across the Nation with the resources 
necessary to keep our Nation safe.
  As Americans we learn not only from our mistakes but from our 
successes. The capture of Faisal Shahzad is commendable, but we have to 
examine why he was allowed to board an aircraft after being added to a 
no-fly list and why it took until literally the last minute before 
departure for him to be apprehended. We have got to get to a system for 
our security and our protection where we track every single person both 
entering and exiting our country.
  In addition we must also continue to support our military and 
intelligence operations abroad to dismantle these terrorist networks. I 
just came back from Afghanistan and Pakistan and I can tell you the 
front line of our security right here at home is in those two 
countries. Our troops are the front line of defense in protecting the 
homeland from terrorism and they deserve our support and appreciation.
  I urge all my colleagues to support H. Res. 1320.
  Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1320, 
a resolution which commends the vigilance of the many individuals, 
first responders, law enforcement, and homeland security personnel for 
helping prevent what could have been a very deadly terrorist attack in 
Times Square last weekend and bring into custody the person who has 
admitted responsibility for this failed attack. I am pleased to be an 
original cosponsor of this resolution.
  When Faisal Shahzad drove his bomb-laden SUV into Times Square on the 
evening of Saturday, May 1, 2010, New York City and all America were 
once again reminded of the thin line between security and tragedy.
  This attack was just the most recent of 11 attempts since September 
11, 2001, to visit terror on New York City. I cannot say enough about 
the efforts of the New York Police Department, its local partners, and 
the Federal agencies, particularly the FBI, that have worked to prevent 
these incidents and keep the City safe.
  The resolution highlights how two vigilant citizens, Mr. Lance Orton 
and Mr. Duane Jackson, saw something and said something to an alert 
NYPD officer, Wayne Rhatigan, who secured the scene and the safety of 
those who were at what has been called the ``Crossroads of the World.''
  We are also indebted to the New York Police Department and its Bomb 
Squad, the Fire Department of New York, the Federal Bureau of 
Investigation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other homeland 
security and law enforcement personnel for helping to foil this attack 
and capture the guilty terrorist.
  Unfortunately, even after these 11 wake-up calls, not everyone 
recognizes that New York City is the nation's top terror target and 
that we must do everything possible to ensure the safety and security 
of New Yorkers and those

[[Page H3144]]

visiting this great City. New York simply cannot be expected to prevent 
terrorist attacks alone. Protecting New York City is not a local issue. 
It is a national issue; a national security issue.
  What if the bomb that Faisal Shahzad parked in Times Square had 
detonated, and included radiological or nuclear material? How many 
lives would have been lost? How long would it have taken for New York's 
economy--and the nation's economy--to recover?
  One of the best ways to stop that nightmare scenario would be to 
properly fund the Securing the Cities Program, which is the only 
Federal program of its kind to establish a ring of radiological 
detectors on bridges, tunnels, and mobile platforms in the region to 
prevent a radiological or nuclear attack. Unfortunately, the 
Administration has eliminated funding for this key program, even though 
in January 2010 the House of Representatives passed my legislation to 
authorize and fund the program.
  New York City Mayor Bloomberg testified in the Senate this morning 
and stated: ``Since 1990, there have been more than 20 terrorist 
plots--or actual attacks--against our City. That's why it's so critical 
for Congress to fully fund homeland security programs like the Securing 
the Cities--and to take other steps that will help us fight terrorists 
and make it harder for them to attack us.''
  NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly stated on Sunday that the Lower Manhattan 
Security Initiative has yet to be extended to Midtown Manhattan because 
of the lack of Federal funding. With just $50 million, this ``Ring of 
Steel'' would give the NYPD a force multiplier throughout Midtown and 
allow it to expand its reach across the entire city.
  The Administration has also proposed eliminating the Coast Guard's 
Maritime Safety and Security Team in New York City, weakening the 
City's defenses against a waterborne attack. The Administration has 
also proposed cutting funding for New York City-area mass transit and 
port security.
  The stark reality is that New York City is the number one target for 
terrorists. New Yorkers live under constant threat of attack. But the 
Federal government can minimize those threats by properly funding 
counterterrorism initiatives based on risk and fund programs in the 
places they are most needed, like New York City.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge our colleagues to support this resolution to show 
our gratitude to the brave and selfless efforts of the first responders 
and everyone involved who helped turn into a triumph what could have 
been a tragedy.
  Mr. PASCRELL. I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1320, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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