[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17467]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



  INTRODUCTION OF CONCURRENT RESOLUTION FOR THE ``FIRST RESPONDERS'' 
           INJURED AT THE WTC, PENTAGON, AND IN PENNSYLVANIA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. J.C. WATTS

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 20, 2001

  Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I 
introduce this Concurrent Resolution on behalf of myself, Rep. Engel 
and the other original House cosponsors.
  The resolution expresses Congress' profound sorrow for the loss of 
life and injuries suffered by ``first responders'' as a result of their 
efforts to save innocent Americans in the aftermath of the World Trade 
Center, Pentagon and Pennsylvania terrorist attacks on September 11, 
2001. It also expresses our deepest condolences to the families and 
loved ones of the first responders who will never again return home.
  Last Tuesday, in New York City and at the Pentagon, law enforcement, 
firefighters, and emergency medical personnel (first responders) were 
the first public service personnel on the scene of the attacks. If it 
were not for their heroic efforts immediately after these attacks, 
numerous innocent people would not be alive today.
  We also believe that it is important for America to better understand 
the activities and responsibilities of first responders. In addition to 
the everyday well-being, security and safety of Americans that depend 
upon first responders' official duties, the consequences of terrorist 
attacks also compel their service. In preparation for the these 
tragedies, first responders around the country plan, train and exercise 
for mass casualty events. Our resolution recognizes the hard work and 
dedication of ``first responder'' personnel for their anti-terrorism 
preparation efforts that many participate in on their own time.
  In addition, this resolution recognizes the hard work and dedication 
of first responders after the 1993 World Trade Center and 1995 Oklahoma 
City bombings.
  As the days in this session of Congress wind down, we must lead the 
nation to ensure that Americans are as protected as possible against 
future terrorist attacks. Congress must remain vigilant against other 
threats such as biological, chemical, nuclear, radiological attacks 
that terrorists may unleash on our shores in the future. I am going to 
fight to maintain and increase America's deterrence, prevention, 
preparation, and response abilities today and the coming tomorrows.

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