[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 12]
[House]
[Pages 16761-16762]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



  PERMITTING USE OF ROTUNDA OF CAPITOL FOR PRAYER VIGIL IN MEMORY OF 
     THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN THE EVENTS OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

  Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on 
House Administration be discharged from further consideration of the 
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 223) permitting the use of the 
rotunda of the Capitol for a prayer vigil in memory of those who lost 
their lives in the events of September 11, 2001, and ask for its 
immediate consideration in the House.
  The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Ohio?

[[Page 16762]]


  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, and obviously 
I will not nor do I intend to object, but I want to reserve the right 
to object so the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) can kindly explain the 
purpose of the concurrent resolution.
  Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?
  Mr. HOYER. I yield to the gentleman from Ohio.
  Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 223 permits the use 
of the Capitol rotunda for a prayer vigil in memory of those who lost 
their lives in yesterday's tragic act of terrorism against the United 
States.
  This country has suffered the most terrible and horrific terrorist 
attack in its history. Although we still do not know the full story, 
these unspeakable acts of brutality strike at the very heart of our 
society. Our heartfelt prayers and sympathy go out to all who have been 
directly touched by this tragedy and their families.
  Prayer can now be the source of unification and peace for a Nation 
that is beginning the healing process. The rotunda in our Nation's 
Capitol is a symbol of unification. House Members, Senators and the 
American people have historically gathered there for solemn occasions. 
It is, therefore, fitting that the people's representatives from both 
bodies gather together there today. No matter what the troubles in the 
world, you can have peace with God and you can achieve it with prayer.
  My fellow colleagues, please join me and the millions across the 
country and the world as we remember those who died in a senseless and 
cowardly act of terrorism. May their memory serve as a reminder that 
the American spirit lives on and cannot be extinguished.
  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, further reserving the right to object, I, of 
course, concur in the Chairman's characterization of the resolution.
  It is appropriate that we authorize the use of the rotunda of the 
Capitol, the center and heart of this Nation's Capitol, to remember 
those who have paid the final price for living in freedom and defending 
freedom.
  Our democracy, of course, will not crumble in the face of this 
disaster. Our democracy will endure this test and emerge stronger and 
more dedicated to freedom and justice throughout the world.
  We do this to honor and remember those of our fellow citizens, those 
who live among us who perished yesterday, and those whose lives have 
been forever changed by grievous acts of cowardice.
  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Ohio?
  There was no objection.
  The Clerk read the concurrent resolution, as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 223

       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That the rotunda of the Capitol is authorized to 
     be used at any time on September 12, 2001, for a prayer vigil 
     in memory of those who lost their lives in the events of 
     September 11, 2001. Physical preparations for the vigil shall 
     be carried out in accordance with such conditions as the 
     Architect of the Capitol may prescribe.

  The concurrent resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________