[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17030]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



   EXPRESSING SENSE OF SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REGARDING 
            TERRORIST ATTACKS LAUNCHED AGAINST UNITED STATES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. WILLIAM L. JENKINS

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 11, 2001

  Mr. JENKINS. Mr. Speaker, on September 11, 2001, an act of terrorism 
took the lives of thousands of innocent Americans. No American is 
exempt from the pain and anger that resulted. I know I speak for 
everybody in the First Congressional District of Tennessee when I send 
their thoughts and prayers to the families and friends of those who are 
casualties of this act of terror. Our thoughts and prayers also go the 
thousands of individuals who have responded to the scene and are 
working non-stop in the rescue and recovery efforts.
  It is important that we take the appropriate steps to deal with this 
matter. The government is functioning and providing the necessary 
services to deal with the aftermath of the events in New York and 
Washington. Every necessary resource will be made available to assist 
in the search, rescue, and recovery efforts. In addition, our law 
enforcement authorities, intelligence services, and military personnel 
are moving swiftly in their investigations. A number of positive leads 
are being pursued, and I am confident that we all know the names of all 
that are responsible. We have a suspect whose numerous threats are 
tantamount to an admission. We have the ability to continue to 
accumulate evidence to prove his guilt.
  I applaud the President in his immediate forceful response to this 
tragedy. He has mobilized our armed forces and directed all appropriate 
federal agencies to respond to rescue efforts. I also applaud the 
leadership of a united Congress. The leadership of both parties have 
communicated the support of the Congress to the President, and he will 
have the full support of the legislative branch of our government to 
provide the necessary resources for recovery and rebuilding, as well as 
the resources that will be needed to provide the appropriate responses 
to the perpetrators of this crime. We will use these resources to find 
those responsible and to see that justice is served.
  As difficult as it is at this time, we must move forward. We cannot 
give in to the demands of terrorism. The American resolve is stronger 
than ever. It is a mistake of terrorists to believe that they will 
divide us. They have brought us together in ways that many people did 
not believe could happen. It is a mistake of terrorists to believe that 
we will cower in fear as a result of their actions. They have only 
strengthened the willpower, purpose, and determination of all 
Americans.
  One of the most cherished freedoms in this country is the right to 
disagree. Honorable citizens have the right to voice their 
disagreements with each other without fear of reprisal. Quite often, 
Members of Congress find themselves engaging in quarrelsome debate over 
a variety of issues, which now pale in comparison to the matter that we 
must deal with in the upcoming days and weeks. Despite these 
disagreements, the U.S. has always stood for what is right in the 
world--freedom and democracy. The terrorists believe our ability to 
disagree is a weakness, and that they can exploit this. They are wrong.
  The final casualty numbers will be high--too high to reasonably 
comprehend. Despite this tragic loss and the crumbling of America's 
buildings. America's foundation is strong. The history of this great 
nation proves that when the U.S. is roused--the U.S. fights--and the 
U.S. wins. We will stand together, outraged and resolute, and we will 
go to any length to bring these criminals, and those who aid and abet 
them, to justice. We will have not properly paid our respects to those 
who have died until their killers are brought to justice.
  From this point forward, the rest of the world, and particularly 
those who harbor hatred and resentment against the United States, will 
learn that our strength and courage will not tolerate the acts of 
terrorists. We may never know the specific message these terrorist 
groups were trying to send to America. I do know that they will 
ultimately receive a response from America that will be loud and clear. 
God bless the United States of America.




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