[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 14, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H6631-H6635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       COMMEMORATING SEPTEMBER 11

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1610) expressing the sense of the 
House of Representatives regarding the terrorist attacks launching 
against the United States on September 11, 2001.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1610

       Whereas on the morning of September 11, 2001, terrorists 
     hijacked and destroyed four civilian aircraft, crashing two 
     of them into the towers of the World Trade Center in New York 
     City and a third into the Pentagon outside of Washington, 
     D.C.;
       Whereas the passengers and crew aboard the fourth civilian 
     aircraft, United Airlines Flight 93, acted heroically to 
     prevent the terrorist hijackers from taking additional 
     American lives, by crashing the plane in Shanksville, 
     Pennsylvania, and sacrificing their own lives instead;
       Whereas thousands of innocent men, women, and children were 
     brutally murdered in the attacks of September 11, 2001;
       Whereas nine years later, the United States continues to 
     mourn the lives lost on September 11, 2001;
       Whereas by targeting symbols of American strength and 
     prosperity, the attacks were intended to assail the 
     principles and values of the American people and to 
     intimidate the Nation and its allies;
       Whereas the United States remains steadfast in its 
     determination to defeat, disrupt, and destroy terrorist 
     organizations and seeks to harness all elements of national 
     power, including its military, economic, and diplomatic 
     resources, to do so;
       Whereas Congress has passed, and the President has signed, 
     numerous laws to protect the Nation, prevent terrorism at 
     home and abroad, assist victims of terrorism, and support, in 
     the field and upon return, the members of the Armed Forces 
     who courageously defend the United States;
       Whereas the terrorist attacks that have occurred around the 
     world since September 11, 2001, serve as reminders that the 
     hateful inhumanity of terrorism poses a common threat to the 
     free world, to people everywhere, and to democratic values;
       Whereas the United States has worked cooperatively with the 
     nations of the free world to capture terrorists and bring 
     them to justice;
       Whereas the United States remains committed to building 
     strong and productive counterterrorism alliances;
       Whereas immediately following September 11, 2001, the Armed 
     Forces moved swiftly against al-Qaeda and the Taliban, which 
     the President and Congress had identified as enemies of the 
     United States;
       Whereas in doing so, brave members of the Armed Forces left 
     loved ones in order to defend the Nation and, in some cases, 
     sustained serious injuries or made the ultimate sacrifice by 
     giving their lives; and
       Whereas many members of the Armed Forces remain abroad, 
     defending the Nation from further terrorist attacks and 
     continuing to battle al-Qaeda and the Taliban: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes September 11 as a day to mourn and remember 
     those taken from their loved ones and fellow citizens, and as 
     a day for the people of the United States to recommit to the 
     Nation and to each other;
       (2) once again extends its deepest sympathies to the 
     friends, families, and loved ones of the innocent victims of 
     the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks;
       (3) honors the heroic service and sacrifices of first 
     responders, law enforcement personnel, State and local 
     officials, volunteers, and others who aided the victims and, 
     in so doing, bravely risked and often sacrificed their own 
     lives and health;
       (4) expresses gratitude to the foreign leaders and citizens 
     of all nations who have assisted and continue to stand in 
     solidarity with the United States against terrorism in the 
     aftermath of the attacks;
       (5) recognizes the heroic service of United States 
     personnel, including members of the Armed Forces, 
     intelligence agencies, the diplomatic service, the law 
     enforcement and homeland security communities, and their 
     families, who have sacrificed much, including their lives and 
     health, to defend their country against terrorists;
       (6) vows that it will continue to defend the people of the 
     United States and to identify, intercept, and defeat 
     terrorists, including providing the Armed Forces, 
     intelligence agencies, the diplomatic service, and the law 
     enforcement and homeland security communities with the 
     resources and support necessary to effectively accomplish 
     this mission; and
       (7) reaffirms that the American people will never forget 
     the sacrifices made on and since September 11, 2001.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Connolly) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Virginia.


                             General Leave

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that 
all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their 
remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Virginia?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
this resolution, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, this bipartisan resolution pays tribute to the lives 
lost on September 11, 2001, and recognizes the anniversary as not only 
a time of solemn commemoration, but also a demonstration of America's 
great resolve in combating terrorism.
  Memorials like those at the Pentagon in northern Virginia and the 
Grove Garden in Fairfax County have been constructed throughout the 
region and the Nation to commemorate the events of 9/11. It is one of 
the many ways in which we continue to pay tribute to the people who 
perished on that fateful day.
  This House resolution extends our enduring and deepest condolences to 
the friends, families, and loved ones of the innocent victims of the 
terrorist attacks and recognizes the heroism of U.S. service men and 
women who defend our country today. It honors the Nation's first 
responders and others whose valiant efforts did credit to their country 
on that horrible day and who continue to help keep us safe. It 
expresses gratitude to the leaders and citizens of other countries who 
assisted, supported and stood by the United States in the aftermath of 
those attacks.
  Clearly, the threat of terrorism is still very real, but one of the 
lasting legacies of 9/11 has been the notion of being prepared for any 
type of emergency, whether it is a widespread event like a terrorist 
attack, a natural disaster, an epidemic, or even an individualized 
event, like a fire, car crash or power outage.
  The events of 9/11 tested our abilities beyond our imagination, and a 
number of trying experiences since then have further honed our skills. 
In America's modern and fragmented society, collective memories are 
few, but each of us remembers where we were precisely on that fateful 
day when we heard the news.
  This is a time when we must transcend partisan politics and stand 
together as one Nation to recall a moment when terrorists targeted the 
very symbols of America's strength.
  Our values and our very foundation were under attack, and yet we 
persevered. And we will carry on the fight against extremists who seek 
to do us harm.
  In this battle, the global realities of the 21st century require that 
we use not only our military, but all of the tools available to us--
economic, financial, diplomatic, and cultural resources--to promote a 
better alternative to extremism and to protect our national interests 
and our national security.
  Madam Speaker, none of us will forget what happened 9 years ago. We 
will always remember the victims of 9/11 and the loved ones who 
survived them.

[[Page H6632]]

We will always honor the first responders who gave their lives that 
day, and those in uniform at home and abroad who risk their lives even 
now and every day to defend America. We will continue to promote our 
founding principles of freedom and equality and ensure that the lives 
lost in pursuit of our ideals are never forgotten.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  This resolution marks the ninth anniversary of the unprovoked attack 
on our Nation by individuals without conscience and on behalf of 
masters without mercy.
  Those who witnessed the events of September 11 will always remember 
the inconceivable images and seemingly impossible events that unfolded 
before our own eyes. But however painful our own memories may be, they 
cannot compare with the suffering of the innocents who bore the horror 
directly, nor with those of their families and friends whose lives were 
torn apart without any warning.
  Our purpose here is to honor and remember the victims and the many 
heroes of that endless day, September 11, 2001. We honor the thousands 
of innocent men, women and children who were targeted and murdered 
simply because they were Americans or because they embraced the concept 
of freedom and democracy. We honor those who, instead of being 
immobilized by fear, immediately began to search for and rescue 
survivors at great risk to themselves, many of whom lost their lives in 
their efforts to save many others.
  We honor those in our military who have fought our enemies in distant 
lands and have borne heavy burdens to prevent them from striking us yet 
again. And even as I speak, men and women of our Armed Forces are 
fighting for us and for our country far from their homes in far-off 
lands. And it has affected many people, even here in Washington, D.C. 
and in the Congress and our staff. My own chief of staff has two sons 
that have served in Iraq and Afghanistan in the Marine Corps, and there 
are many others as we speak today.
  On September 11, we were forced to realize that what we had 
experienced was not really an isolated blow but instead only the latest 
assault in a war that radical Islamist militants had been waging 
against the United States for years.
  We had already suffered many casualties over the preceding decades, 
but had not understood that these were in fact from a series of battles 
in an escalating war against the United States and a war against 
freedom. These include the taking of our embassy in Iran and the 
holding of American hostages for 444 days; the destruction of our 
embassy and marine barracks in Lebanon in the 1980s; the first World 
Trade Center bombing in 1993; the attacks on the Khobar Towers in Saudi 
Arabia in 1996; and the attacks on the U.S.S. Cole and our embassies in 
Kenya and Tanzania also in the 1990s.
  And at this very moment, our enemies are preparing to strike us again 
and with the same intent of slaughtering as many innocent people as 
they possibly can.
  We cannot protect ourselves by hoping that somehow we will be spared 
new attacks, for these are certain to come unless we take action to 
prevent them. And we have done so.
  Over the past 9 years, we have come to know our enemies, their plans, 
and their methods.

                              {time}  1420

  We are daily engaged and seeking them out, finding them in their 
hiding places and in their holes, uncovering their networks and 
eliminating their ability to harm us again. But our enemies have many 
allies and have sunk deep roots, roots that will not be easily 
destroyed. Victory will not be achieved in one decisive battle but 
through a sustained commitment that will stretch over many years. It 
will be fought in many different ways using the range of U.S. resources 
and capabilities and fought in many other places.
  Some may shrink from that prospect; but, if we are to prevail over 
this enemy that is relentless in its hatred for us, our commitment to 
our Nation and the principles that we stand for, we must not only match 
but exceed their determination, the determination of our adversaries.
  This is not really a war of choice but one that has been forced upon 
us by men whose dark vision of the world cannot be realized without 
first destroying America and our freedoms. Repeatedly throughout its 
history our country has been challenged by forces that at times seemed 
impossible to overcome. But however dark the unknowns we faced and 
however great our fears, we never shrank from our duty as a Nation, and 
we have always prevailed with the good Lord's help.
  And on this day, let us remember those that we have lost, the many 
heroes with which we have been blessed, and those with whom our safety 
depends, and let us remember that they gave their lives for our 
country. And we should do our duty as all generations that have 
preceded us have done. And God bless this country now and always.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 
minute to the distinguished majority leader of the House of 
Representatives.
  (Mr. HOYER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. HOYER. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  9/11 will remain a day of infamy, as December 7, 1941, lives. It will 
also live as a day that we will always remember, lament the loss of 
life, and rededicate ourselves to the defense of freedom.
  As we did 9 years ago, today we stand united, one people--united in 
memory of the dead of September 11; united in awe at the heroic 
sacrifices that graced that dark day and so many since; and united in 
resolve to defend our Nation, its ideals, that animated spirit, defend 
its people, defend its shores.
  September 11 was a day of grief, of shock, and of fear. But as we 
reflect back on the terror of that day, these things are within our 
power: to keep alive the names and memories of the dead--they were read 
in New York, in Virginia at the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania--to 
reclaim the unity of a day on which neighbor reached out to neighbor 
and our divisions were submerged; and to rededicate ourselves to the 
ideals that, no less than buildings, were the targets of the attack. 
Ideals were under attack, like freedom, freedom of conscience; rule of 
law; and, yes, religious tolerance.
  For those reasons, I am proud to introduce, along with the Republican 
leader, Mr. Boehner, this resolution commemorating the attack on 
America--its institutions, its values, its people.
  For many, the shock of that day perhaps has faded. For some, however, 
especially those who loved and lost one of the 3,000, the grief is 
still fresh. But for all of us, the memory of September 11 is one we 
will carry with us, as I have said, as long as we live. It is a memory 
compounded of mourning for the victims, deep sympathy for those who 
held them dear; and profound pride for the first responders, 
firefighters, and police officers, and, yes, average citizens who came 
to the help of those in need. They served and they sacrificed--some 
their health, some their lives.
  Terrorism is intended, of course, to provoke the worst in those it 
targets, but on that day their service showed America at its very best. 
So we remember. We remember in honor the 343 firefighters, 37 Port 
Authority officers, and 23 police officers who lost their lives along, 
of course, with the passengers on Flight 93.
  How proud we can be of those passengers who learned what was 
happening, unlike most of us, unlike the people in the towers, unlike 
the people in the Pentagon. The brave Americans on Flight 93 knew what 
was happening, and they acted, and they gave their lives to save others 
who would have otherwise been targeted. And, yes, perhaps they saved 
this symbol of democracy. Many of us believe that is where Flight 93 
was headed--to decapitate this Capitol. A building, yes, but a powerful 
symbol of the values of this country that are not just this country's 
but universal in scope.
  We also honor those troops who have served far from home. They too 
have shown America at its best; not only those who have lost their 
lives in our country's service in Afghanistan and

[[Page H6633]]

Iraq, but all those who have served and are serving, as we speak, in 
harm's way, at the point of the spear, to make sure that any fanatics, 
whether they base their fanaticism on a faith or they base it on hate 
and prejudice, we will confront them. We will defeat them. We will 
protect our country. We will protect our people, and we will preserve 
our ideals. With their families, we pray for their safe return.
  Not all of us can offer sacrifices so profound, but it does not have 
to be a day of crisis to join with our neighbors in service to our 
communities. It can be this day. Indeed, it can be every day.
  As we commemorate the gravest attack in American history, we also 
renew our resolve in the face of those who still intend us harm. This 
is a day to remember our commitment to defend America from whatever 
threats that confront us and to use all of our military force, all of 
our diplomatic skill, and all of the power of our moral example to keep 
America safe.
  Like the Cold War before it, this is a struggle not just of arms but 
of ideologies. And every demonstration that America is a fearless 
society, a Nation of law, and a home for every faith is a victory over 
the fanatics who attacked us or who might attack us. That is our 
resolve--not as Democrats or Republicans, not as Members of Congress, 
but as Americans who have pledged ourselves to defend the Constitution 
of the United States, the laws thereof, and, yes, its principles and 
ideals. This will be expressed in a vote in this House today. But in 
the courage of our troops, the watchfulness of our intelligence, and 
the power of free American citizens to live out the meaning of our 
ideals every day, that will be the testament of our victory and the 
display of our resolve.
  I rise in strong support of this resolution and in memory of those 
whose lives were taken by fanatics targeting not those individuals, per 
se, but targeting that in which they believed.

                              {time}  1430

  Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman 
from New Jersey (Mr. Frelinghuysen), the ranking member of the 
Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development.
  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and I 
commend Leader Hoyer and Leader Boehner for their leadership in 
presenting it to the House, as I fear that time and events have dulled 
some memories. It was 9 years ago this past Saturday that our Nation 
changed forever, as violent international extremists struck in the 
streets of Lower Manhattan, the fields of Pennsylvania, and at the 
Pentagon. But we also saw good rise in the face of evil, and heroes 
rise in the face of danger.
  In Lower Manhattan, many of our brave first responders knew the risks 
they were taking, but they were determined to do their job. Police 
officers and EMS personnel calmly escorted workers out of burning 
buildings as firefighters raced up stairwells to rescue those trapped 
high above.
  When the day was over, and as we learned more about the tragic, and 
yes, murderous attacks and loss of nearly 3,000 Americans, including 
700 New Jerseyans, we witnessed neighbors and friends consoling one 
another and watched as Americans from all walks of life stood united, 
side by side waving the Stars and Stripes, and lighting candles to 
honor those missing or lost.
  As America rebounded, we responded to these acts of terrorism with 
the skill and spirit of our military and our intelligence community. 
The war we continue to fight abroad today began before September 11, 
2001. It began without provocation and without warning. It was not a 
war of our choosing but rather was made our priority. It was the 
slaughter of innocents by people with a twisted sense of religion who 
play by no rules.
  So many of our heroes currently fighting terrorism across the globe 
put their lives on hold on September 11, 2001, to join the National 
Guard and Reserve, serve our country, and defend our freedom. They 
serve side by side as we speak with the active duty military, all 
volunteers, all dedicated, all courageous, all Americans. We see the 
character and resolve of America in these brave young men and women. 
And we are grateful for their service and sacrifice, and that of their 
families, each and every day. They truly are doing the work of freedom 
and deserve our support and prayers.
  May God bless those who continue to defend our freedom, and may God 
continue to bless America.
  Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, in closing, everyone that was alive 
on September 11 remembers that day and what they were doing. It's like 
those of us that were alive when President Kennedy was assassinated. We 
remember that day, we remember what we were doing. And the old timers, 
they remember Pearl Harbor and what they were doing on December 7, 
1941. It is a day that the country, that the people, that the Nation 
should always remember because it involved real people losing their 
lives because of the concepts that we have in this Nation of freedom 
and liberty, something that is worth preserving.
  It's important that we remember the 3,000 individuals that died that 
day. But Madam Speaker, it's equally important that we remember those 
that got to live. Because when those Twin Towers were set aflame, those 
volunteers, those firefighters, those emergency medical folks and those 
police officers, they rushed as hard as they could to get to that 
terror from the sky. And because they did so, many got to live for 
another day. And there are countless stories like that that occurred on 
September 11, how Americans reacted remarkably and with bravery.
  Another example. This morning I was at Arlington Cemetery with my 
daughter Kellee and her husband, Anthony Shoemaker, and we were at the 
Tomb of the Unknowns. And many Americans may not know, but the Tomb of 
the Unknowns is very close to the Pentagon. You can almost see it 
through the trees. And those soldiers, the Old Guard as they are 
called, that protect the Tomb of the Unknowns, they already knew about 
the two planes that had crashed into the World Trade Centers North and 
South.
  And when that third plane came roaring across the skyline of 
Washington, D.C., headed straight for the Pentagon, just a few hundred 
yards from the Tomb of the Unknowns, those soldiers guarding the tomb 
never left their post. They stayed. In fact, they called for 
reinforcements. Yet another example of what Americans do when we are 
attacked.
  And so we should remember those that died, those that got to live, 
and those that continue to fight for our freedoms today in places all 
over the world in the name of liberty and freedom.
  And that's just the way it is.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, like many Members in this 
House, in the last week I attended numerous memorials, remembrances of 
the tragedy of 9/11. It's particularly poignant to northern Virginia 
because the other attack that day was at the Pentagon, which is in 
Arlington, Virginia.
  At that time I was a local supervisor on the board of supervisors in 
Fairfax County, and my office was co-located at Fire Station 30 in 
Merrifield. And I remember firefighters in my station, men and women, 
backing up the Arlington Fire Department in trying to put out the fire 
and save lives at the Pentagon that day in the second-worst terrorist 
attack in American history, only sadly eclipsed by the loss of life at 
the World Trade Center itself. And I heard the stories and I saw the 
heroism firsthand, and it is something I certainly will never forget.
  Let me just say to the friends and families of those who were lost 
that day and to those who would wish us harm: America will never 
forget, and America will never yield.
  Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, today I rise in support of House 
Resolution 1610 to commemorate the ninth anniversary of the September 
11th terrorist attacks and remember the nearly 3,000 innocent victims 
killed that day in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, 
Pennsylvania.
  As we give thanks for the first responders who heroically rushed to 
these sites to rescue victims, our Federal government must properly 
support them. Tragically, many of these first responders--fire 
fighters, police officers, and other emergency workers--are dying from 
days and weeks of exposure to Ground Zero toxins and are in desperate 
need of medical

[[Page H6634]]

care. I urge all Members to join me in supporting the James Zadroga 9/
11 Health and Compensation Act (H.R. 847) when it is considered by the 
House next week.
  We must also thank the men and women of our armed forces, law 
enforcement officers, and members of the Intelligence Community who 
have saved innumerable American lives through their tireless efforts 
during the past nine years. As we celebrate their efforts, we must 
remain vigilant. Radical Islamic jihadists, who have pledged allegiance 
to al-Qaeda and other terror networks, continue to target our Nation. 
Since last year's 9/11 anniversary, terrorists have continued in their 
quest to attack our homeland and kill more innocent Americans. In the 
past year alone, we have seen attacks at Fort Hood, in Times Square, 
and aboard Northwest Flight 253, as well as plots to blow up the New 
York City subway system and Federal buildings in Dallas, Texas and 
Springfield, Illinois.
  As our citizens remain vigilant, our Federal government must remain 
diligent. Congress and the Obama Administration must work together in a 
cooperative and constructive manner to ensure that our military, 
Intelligence Community, and state and local law enforcement have the 
resources to detect and defeat the terrorists who seek to do us harm.
  I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution, and never 
to forget the catastrophic events and lives lost on that tragic day in 
our Nation's history.
  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise to address H. Res. 1610 a 
resolution to express remembrance of the victims of, and sorrow for, 
the devastating effects the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 had 
on our Nation. I mourn in remembrance of innocent lives lost. And I 
mourn in recognition that our response to the attacks has only led to 
more suffering, countless innocent lives lost abroad and an 
increasingly divided Nation here at home.
  This resolution expresses that the House of Representatives ``will 
continue to defend the people of the United States and to identify, 
intercept, and defeat terrorists, including providing the Armed Forces, 
intelligence agencies, the diplomatic service, and the law enforcement 
and homeland security communities with the resources and support 
necessary to effectively accomplish this mission.'' But the actions of 
the U.S. that have been taken in the name of achieving this mission 
have not brought us ``mission accomplished.''
  As Pentagon and administration officials continue to tout the 
supposed end of the war in Iraq, there is no mention of the continued 
systematic use of the 9/11 attacks to justify sending our armed forces 
to invade and occupy a country that did not attack us. Almost 8 years 
later, over 4,200 U.S. soldiers and 1 million Iraqi civilians have been 
killed.
  How can we claim to remember the victims of 9/11 in good faith after 
we stood silent as billions of dollars were poured into a war based on 
lies? Congress continued its support of the war despite overwhelming 
evidence that the leaders or people of Iraq had nothing to do with 9/
11. In the shadow of the policies pursued under the so-called ``War on 
Terror,'' our country remains more divided, more fearful and less 
trustful than ever. Perhaps even more troubling and more detrimental to 
our national security is the long-term damage our policies have had on 
our image in the international community. And in July of this year, the 
House of Representatives failed the victims of 9/11 yet again when it 
rejected legislation to provide health care for the first responders 
who rescued survivors of the attacks and who endure daily reminders of 
the attacks in the form of their failing health.
  The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan (now the longest war in U.S. 
history) serve as a daily reminder of the destructive path we have 
taken. We continue to dedicate billions of dollars to prop up a 
hopelessly corrupt and morally bankrupt central government in 
Afghanistan as the people of that country suffer with little education, 
access to clean water, health care and the ability to live a normal 
life. Here at home, our increasingly polarized communities bear the 
brunt of our missteps through record high unemployment rates, a 
continuing foreclosure crisis and crumbling infrastructure.
  How long can the policies we continue to pursue be justified in the 
name of the victims of 9/11? I oppose the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, 
and the PATRIOT Act because I believe in the transformative power of 
truth and reconciliation. Almost ten years after 9/11, it is past time 
to pursue a new path forward. Our country is in peril, but our resolve 
to progress in a positive direction must not be. We do not need to 
export democracy around the world to keep our country safe; we need to 
demonstrate that America is a place where democracy is safe.
  Mr. BOEHNER. Madam Speaker, the events of recent weeks have reminded 
us how central the September 11th attacks remain to our national 
consciousness. The shock and grief we felt that Tuesday still echo in 
our hearts, still reverberate in our minds.
  America stands tall as a beacon of freedom and tolerance because her 
people have risen to the occasion each time these values have been 
tested. It is with that in mind that we turn our thoughts today to the 
police, firefighters, and first responders who ran into burning 
buildings so others could get out. We renew our awe for the passengers 
who dug in rather than give up and charged the cockpit of Flight 93. We 
remember how Americans from all walks donated blood, gathered at 
candlelight vigils, and organized care packages for relief workers. The 
resilience that propels us forward as a people is drawn from the 
courage of our heroes and the compassion of our citizens.
  Each year on this day, we have the opportunity and the solemn 
responsibility to honor the heroes and victims, and to keep faith with 
their loved ones. Though these thoughts and prayers, we can heal, and 
we can steel ourselves to repeat the words `never again'.
  Over the last year, we have seen in the most immediate way how 
terrorists still have innocent Americans in their sights, starting with 
a plot to blow up the New York City subway system, and continuing with 
the attacks at Fort Hood, Times Square, and on board Northwest Flight 
253. Each of these attacks represented new strands of terrorism, new 
signs of an enemy ready and willing to adapt. Now more than ever, as 
citizens and patriots, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to 
confront and defeat the terrorist threat. That is why we should also 
take a moment today to salute the endurance, discipline, and valor of 
our troops, who have volunteered to take the fight to the enemy and 
keep the light of freedom burning bright.
  Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of H. Res. 1610, remembering and honoring those who lost their lives in 
the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
  It has been nine years since our Nation was forever changed by the 
horrific events that took place on September 11, 2001. The terrorist 
attacks that occurred at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and on 
Flight 93 perpetrated one of the darkest moments in our country's 
history. That is why it is so important that we come together on this 
day to again memorialize those who perished on that fateful late summer 
day in 2001.
  Madam Speaker, September 11th showed us the very worst of humanity. 
That day revealed the capabilities of terrorists determined to murder 
thousands of innocent people in the United States, simply for 
practicing democracy and enjoying freedom. It gave us a frightening 
look at the kind of enemy our country faces in the 21st Century.
  Yet, in the midst of that tragic and horrible day, we saw the very 
best of what Americans have to offer. We saw the courage, sacrifice, 
and virtue displayed by our first responders, including police, 
firefighters, and heroic individuals who were traveling on commercial 
airliners. Regardless of the potential harm they faced, these brave 
individuals sacrificed themselves so that others may survive the 
destruction of the terrorist attacks.
  Madam Speaker, equally as important as the sacrifices made by those 
who perished in the attacks of September 11th, we must also use this 
day to celebrate the service of those in the military, and mourn those 
who have sacrificed their lives overseas in the defense of our nation. 
These brave and selfless individuals have helped keep our great country 
secure in the Global War on Terror and have embodied the very spirit 
that President George W. Bush stated to a Joint Session of Congress on 
September 20, 2001. He said, ``We will not tire, we will not falter, 
and we will not fail.''
  Our men and women in uniform face an adversary determined to destroy 
our way of life, and this enemy presents us with one of the gravest 
challenges in our Nation's history. Each day that they wake up to 
defend the very freedom we enjoy, they honor the very essence of the 
American spirit and labor steadfastly to bring freedom and liberty for 
all. They work tirelessly in the defense of our country, and they 
deserve nothing but our eternal gratitude.
  Therefore, Madam Speaker, it is appropriate that nine years after 
September 11, 2001, we continue to come together to mourn and 
memorialize all of our fallen country men and women for making the 
ultimate sacrifice for us. Year in and year out, we must honor the 
solemn promise made to the victims and their families of this tragedy--
we will never forget.
  Our presence here today signifies the sobering realities about our 
world that accompany the horrors that occurred on September 11th. The 
memories of that day touch us all in some way, and as our Nation 
continues to heal--even nine years later--we need to take time each 
year to remember what tragically occurred in New York City, Arlington, 
Virginia, and Somerset County, Pennsylvania. It is critically important 
that we take this time each year to mourn and honor the legacy of our 
heroes of September 11th.
  Mr. ADLER of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, September 11th, 2001 remains 
a day of

[[Page H6635]]

both indescribable tragedy and awe-inspiring heroism in our Nation's 
history. As we mourn for the victims of the terrorist attacks that day, 
we also reflect upon the heroism displayed by so many.
  No one will ever forget the courage seen on 9/11; courage seen in the 
actions of firefighters and police officers, such as SFC Ricardo 
Esteves of the New Jersey State Police who is here today, Pentagon 
employees, and everyday citizens; courage seen by the choices these 
heroes made--to rush to the aid of others, to enter into burning 
buildings, to resist the hijackers of Flight 93. The bravery displayed 
on that fateful day will forever be remembered in our Nation's history. 
Future generations of Americans, committed to the promise of a better 
world, united by the sacrifices of previous generations, will remember 
the heroes of September 11th.
  Since that tragic day, we have witnessed the very best our Nation has 
to offer in the men and women who serve in our Nation's military. Our 
troops have demonstrated, time and again, in countless missions around 
the world, their devotion, dedication, and perseverance in the face of 
adversity. All of us are immensely proud of them as they exemplify our 
highest examples of courage and commitment.
  Nine years ago, America was thrust into conflict; yet, we have come 
through this ordeal more determined and stronger than ever as a 
Nation--just as we have always done in times of great trials and 
catastrophes.
  Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House 
Resolution 1610 and to mark the ninth anniversary of the tragic events 
of September 11, 2001. Like Pearl Harbor, and the assassination of 
President Kennedy, the attacks of 9/11 are seared into the American 
consciousness. While the attacks shook Americans across the country, 
the pain and grief of those who lost loved ones in New York, Virginia, 
and Pennsylvania remains unimaginable.
  Today, we pause to remember the victims of that Tuesday morning, 
including the firefighters, police officers, and so many others who 
showed great courage and heroism to save countless lives. A grateful 
nation offers its complete gratitude for their sacrifice.
  We also remember the outpouring of good will and generosity that 
flooded from around the country, with millions of Americans in all 
states offering donations, volunteer work, support, and prayers.
  While we mark this anniversary with mourning and remembrance, as we 
must, let us also take this chance to remember the great spirit of 
America, which on that day rose to prove to all the world that in the 
darkest of days, our fundamental kindness and hope still shine through.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res 
1610--a resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives 
regarding the terrorist attacks launched against the United States on 
Sept. 11, 2001. The legacy of the events of September 11, 2001 still 
resonates today. We will never forget the harrowing experience of the 
loss of more than 3,000 lives that marked this national tragedy. We 
will never forget the events of that day, nor those who paid the 
ultimate price. We will forever remember how the country suffered 
profound sadness, the likes of which we as a nation hope to never 
experience again.
  Madam Speaker, I recall vividly the intense emotions evoked as the 
attacks unfolded. The nation watched in horror as two airliners crashed 
into the Twin Towers and brought down the World Trade Center. That 
horror intensified as we witnessed an attack on the Pentagon, and a 
crashed airplane in Pennsylvania. Horror turned to anger as it came to 
light that the attacks were the actions of hate-filled cowards who had 
no respect for human life. I remember too, that in the aftermath of 
these senseless attacks, we came together as a nation and with friends 
from around the world united in grief and sadness. That moment 
transformed our country and the world, as the resolve of our nation 
strengthened and our principles hardened.
  We remember the heroes from that day; those who ran into the danger, 
sacrificing themselves to save strangers. They were the brave 
firefighters, police officers, and civil servants who died in the 
service of protecting others. We remember the heroes from United Flight 
93 who overpowered the terrorists and gave their own lives to prevent 
the deaths of countless others. We hope that their families can take 
some small measure of comfort knowing that Americans have made a 
permanent place for those heroes in our hearts.
  In Houston, we mourned the loss of two of our own: Naval Petty 
Officer 3rd Class Daniel Martin Caballero and Army Lieutenant Colonel 
Karen Wagner. Twenty-one-year-old Petty Officer Caballero was an 
electronics technician who had a bright life ahead of him. Forty-year-
old Lt. Col. Wagner had a distinguished career as a medical personnel 
officer in the office of the Army surgeon general. Both lives were 
taken when United Flight 77 was steered into the Pentagon.

  Madam Speaker, I ask that we also pay tribute today to those who have 
fought the wars borne from September 11th. In the years since that 
tragic day, our country has fought ardently to eliminate the enemies 
who would work to perpetuate the culture of fear and violence borne 
from 9/11.
  In Afghanistan and Iraq, our Armed Forces demonstrate that a resolved 
and determined America will always prevail. The men and women of the 
U.S. military prove daily that their commitment to protecting and 
defending our country is steadfast. Let us remember those who fought 
and died while serving the country, let us honor those who continue to 
fight, and let us pledge our unending support for our soldiers and 
their families.
  As Chairwoman of the Homeland Security Transportation Security and 
Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee and a Senior Member of the 
Foreign Affairs and Judiciary Committees, I believe that we must 
continue to honor the fallen by working to prevent needless deaths. In 
the years since September 11, 2001, Congress has worked hard to make 
sure that such a tragedy will never happen again. In large part, we 
have taken heed of the advice of the 9/11 Commission and built a strong 
system to prevent future attacks.
  Madam Speaker, I rise before this body to say that our work is not 
yet done. Domestic terrorism is alive. Last year we witnessed both the 
Time Square and the Christmas Day failed terrorist attempt at Detroit-
bound Flight 253. We must not let another tragedy occur.
  Preventing terrorism at home begins with addressing terrorism abroad. 
We must engage nations that are susceptible to the influence of 
extremists and arm them with the tools to fight radicalism. That means 
not only providing weapons of war but also increasing education, 
improving living conditions, and increasing the capacity to govern. The 
struggle against terrorism will be won in the hearts and minds of 
people around the world.
  Madam Speaker, I urge all members to join me in supporting H. Res. 
1610. Let us remember this day and the tragedy that befell the nation 
by properly honoring the victims with our renewed commitment to 
America's security.
  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. I yield back the balance of my time, Madam 
Speaker.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Connolly) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1610.
  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. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam 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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