[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 13]
[House]
[Pages 18306-18311]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                   MEMORIALIZING FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS

  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass 
the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 42) memorializing fallen firefighters 
by lowering the American flag to half-staff in honor of the National 
Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Emmitsburg, Maryland, as 
amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H.J. Res. 42

       Whereas 1,200,000 men and women comprise the American fire 
     and emergency services;
       Whereas the fire and emergency services is considered one 
     of the most dangerous jobs in the United States;
       Whereas fire and emergency services personnel respond to 
     over 16 million emergency calls annually, without reservation 
     and with little regard for their personal safety;
       Whereas fire and emergency services personnel are the first 
     to respond to an emergency, whether it involves a fire, 
     medical emergency, spill of hazardous materials, natural 
     disaster, act of terrorism, or transportation accident;
       Whereas approximately one-third of all active fire and 
     emergency personnel suffer debilitating injuries annually; 
     and
       Whereas approximately 100 fire and emergency services 
     personnel die annually in the line of duty: Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
     United States of America in Congress assembled, That each 
     year, the American flags on all Federal office buildings will 
     be lowered to half-staff in honor of the National Fallen 
     Firefighters Memorial Service in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) and the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. 
Jackson-Lee) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. 
Sensenbrenner).


                             General Leave

  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend 
their remarks and to include extraneous material on House Joint 
Resolution 42, the joint resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Wisconsin?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Joint Resolution 42. 
This joint resolution recognizes the memorial of thousands of Americans 
who have fallen while serving as fire and emergency personnel 
throughout the years in America by lowering the American flag to half-
staff on the day of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. 
This year, this day is Sunday, October 7.
  Every year, thousands of Americans attend public and private 
ceremonies at the campus of the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, 
Maryland, during the National Fallen Firefighters Weekend. While these 
ceremonies are in remembrance of lost loved ones and close friends who 
have fallen while serving as fire and emergency personnel, it is also 
an opportunity to show support for those who continue to put their 
lives on the line, providing aid and protection for others.
  This Memorial Service is conducted by the National Fallen 
Firefighters Foundation, in partnership with FEMA's United States Fire 
Administration. It is a national memorial service dedicated to all 
fallen firefighters and emergency personnel.
  House Joint Resolution 42 joins the Federal Government in praise and 
prayers for our fallen heroes by lowering the American flag to half-
staff on the day of this memorial service.
  Madam Speaker, every year, many of those actively participating in 
fire and emergency services in America suffer debilitating injuries. 
Between 1981 and 1999, Wisconsin lost 35 fire and emergency personnel, 
including Mr. Dana R. Johnson and Mr. James Is-Berner, who will be 
honored in 2002 at the National Fallen Firefighters Weekend.
  Overall, during the same period of time, the National Fallen 
Firefighters Foundation reports that America has lost 2,077 fire and 
emergency personnel in the line of duty.
  While the risks and dangers are reflected by the number of Americans 
that have fallen while serving as fire and emergency personnel, the 
number of those participating in this essential service to our 
communities continues to grow. Currently, Madam Speaker, fire and 
emergency personnel in America are 1.2 million people strong, and they 
can be found in every community of every State and territory in our 
Nation, where they respond to over 16 million emergency calls every 
year.
  While we can speculate on how to better fortify our homeland, it is 
clear that our first line of domestic response is largely comprised of 
fire and emergency personnel.
  Nothing demonstrates the significance of fire and emergency personnel 
more than their dedication and sacrifice in America's response to the 
terrorist attacks of September 11. More than 300 fire and emergency 
personnel died as a result of these attacks, and thousands of other 
fire and emergency personnel are still digging through the rubble, a 
dangerous task in and of itself. Of those still at the scene, it is 
reported that over 1,500 have been injured.
  Madam Speaker, the response of our fire and emergency personnel was 
instantaneously initiated in the face of danger with the hope that 
lives could be saved. President Bush has said that in the face of 
terrorism, Americans must decide to live in fear or to live in freedom. 
Our fire and emergency personnel fearlessly answered that question and 
sent a clear message to the entire world: America will not be 
intimidated.
  While America has always recognized the emergency service that fire 
and emergency personnel provide to our communities, on September 11, 
all Americans joined in their bond. Although fire and emergency 
personnel participate in career and voluntary positions with a variety 
of skills that defy virtually every obstacle, each of these individuals 
share a commonality, unity and brotherhood.
  On September 11, we watched in utter disbelief as horrific terrorist 
acts were committed before our very eyes. Most people did not realize 
that our fire and emergency personnel had already begun to respond. 
Shortly thereafter, it was clear that an act of war had been committed 
against our Nation, and our fire and emergency personnel had begun 
fearless rescue efforts to save their own and to save others that had 
become victims of these attacks.
  Madam Speaker, there is no siren or warning system for a response of 
this magnitude. It is a call of nature, it is a call to danger, and it 
is a way of life for the fire and emergency personnel in the United 
States of America.
  Finally, Madam Speaker, we can join in remembrance of all Americans 
that have fallen while serving as fire and emergency personnel, and in 
support of those who continue to serve or who join this noble effort by 
voting in support of House Joint Resolution 42. I urge all of my 
colleagues to take the time this weekend, the weekend for this year's 
National Firefighters Memorial Service, to remember all those that have 
given their lives serving as fire and emergency personnel, and in 
support of all those who continue to provide this service.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

[[Page 18307]]


  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as 
I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the chairman and I would like to 
thank the author of this legislation, the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. 
Castle), legislation that was authored prior to September 11, but could 
not be more fitting and more timely; that is, to memorialize fallen 
firefighters by lowering the American flag to half-staff in honor of 
the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Emmitsburg, 
Maryland.
  It is worth noting that 1,200,000 men and women comprise the American 
fire and emergency services. It is particularly worth noting that in 
this time that we have experienced, beginning with the morning of 
September 11, 2001, how many Americans now will turn toward those who 
have always offered their lives, their hearts, and who have championed 
the cause of saving others and putting others first before anyone else.
  It is worth noting that these losses are faced not only in New York, 
but also in the bravery of those who went to save lives in Somerset, 
Pennsylvania, and, as well, those who saved lives and sought to save 
lives at the Pentagon.
  But we might just say that the devastation in New York so poignantly 
causes us to reaffirm this commitment to the need to acknowledge our 
firefighters. I believe that there is no more honor or no greater honor 
than to acknowledge them and associate them with the flag of the United 
States.
  Some people may say that lighting candles and religious services and 
paying homage to the flags and those we have lost will not allow us to 
move forward, but I do believe it will give us a sense of unity and it 
will bind us together, and acknowledge to those families that these are 
very special people.
  Might I cite to the Members a commentary in the New York Times about 
what the New York firefighters are experiencing:
  ``The hasty patchwork does little to match the physical and emotional 
devastation. The New York Fire Department lost 343 people of its 11,400 
member force. One out of every 33 people on the force is listed as dead 
or missing. The remains of 49 have been identified. The toll on the 
Department is evident on the faces of firefighters throughout the city. 
They drag themselves to funerals, sit stunned in station houses, 
absorbing the losses, and pick depressingly through the gigantic debris 
pile that holds the obliterated remains of their colleagues. But yet, 
they go on.''
  In the state of Texas, from 1981 to 1999, 107 firefighters were lost. 
In the year 2000, 11 firefighters were lost, and several in the city of 
Houston. So even before the tragic and horrific terrorist acts of 
September 11, we knew about the dangerous and lifesaving work that our 
Nation's firefighters perform every day.
  Approximately one-third of all active fire and emergency service 
personnel suffer debilitating injuries, making it one of the most 
dangerous jobs in America. Since the attacks on the World Trade Center 
and the Pentagon, where we watched firefighters risk and sacrifice 
their own lives so others may live, it has become even more imperative 
to honor firefighters who have died in the line of duty.
  The losses to the New York Fire Department cannot go untold. As I 
indicated, they lost 343, and one out of every 33 people on the force 
is listed as dead or missing. Unfortunately, the rescue teams have 
found the remains of fewer than 50 firefighters, and the losses in New 
York affected both the rank and file and the elite firefighting units.
  Chief Cassano of the Fire Department's Special Operations Commands 
says his unit was decimated, having lost 95 of its 452 men. They are 
having to promote individuals who would rather not be promoted to fill 
in for the losses.
  The losses suffered by the New York Fire Department are devastating, 
to be sure. But even without an extraordinary catastrophe like that 
which occurred at the World Trade Center, approximately 100 
firefighters die in the line of duty each year. Last year alone, 11 
firefighters were killed in my home State of Texas.
  House Joint Resolution 42 was introduced in March, 2001, long before 
the recent attacks, but this joint resolution could not be more timely. 
This resolution would lower the flags on all Federal office buildings 
each year to coincide with the annual memorial service for fallen 
firefighters that takes place in the National Firefighters Memorial in 
Emmitsburg, Maryland. Maybe this year we will see such memorials around 
the country.
  This year's service will take place on October 7 in a nationally-
televised ceremony. I can think of no better time to pass this 
legislation to honor our Nation's fallen firefighters whose bravery and 
courage saved lives every day.
  I am very proud of Texas Task Force 1, a Texas group of firefighters 
who went to New York to be of assistance, and I am very proud of my 
community this past weekend at the Heights Fire Station, when we 
gathered together to raise money for the Red Cross and firefighters, 
and saw the pictures and recognized the need all over the country for 
saluting our firefighters and certainly helping those fallen in New 
York.
  Going to ground zero myself this past Friday, I was able to see that 
there are those who are still working, despite the obstruction, despite 
the challenge, despite the sadness. Our hats are off to all of them.
  I conclude, Madam Speaker, by reciting the fireman's prayer:

     ``When I'm called to duty, God, wherever flames may be
     Give me the strength to save some life, whatever be its age;
     Help me embrace a little child before it is too late
     Or save an older person from the horror of their fate
     Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout
     And quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.
     I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me
     To guard my every neighbor and protect their property.
     And if according to your will I lose my life
     Please bless with protective hand
     My children and my wife.''

  This bill is a tribute to the fallen firefighters from Texas, from 
New York, and from around the country who dedicate their lives to 
saving the lives of others. I urge my colleagues to enthusiastically 
support House Joint Resolution 42.
  Even before the tragic and horrific terrorist attacks of September 
11, we knew about the dangerous and life-saving work that our Nation's 
firefighters perform every day. Approximately one-third of all active 
fire and emergency services personnel suffer debilitating injuries--
making it one of the most dangerous jobs in America.
  Since the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon--where 
we watched firefighters risk and sacrifice their own lives so that 
others may live--it has become even more imperative to honor 
firefighters who have died in the line of duty.
  The losses to the New York Fire Department cannot go untold. The NYFD 
lost 343 people of its 11,400-member force in the September 11 attack. 
One out of every 33 people on the force is listed as dead or missing. 
Unfortunately, the rescue teams have found the remains of fewer than 50 
firefighters.
  And the losses in New York affected both the rank and file and the 
elite firefighting units. Chief Cassano, of the FDNY's Special 
Operations Command, said that his unit was ``decimated,'' having lost 
95 of its 452 men.
  The losses suffered by the New York Fire Department are devastating, 
to be sure. But even without an extra-ordinary catastrophe, as that 
which occurred at the World Trade Center, approximately 100 
firefighters die in the line of duty each year. Last year alone, 11 
firefighters were killed in my home state of Texas.
  H.J. Res. 42 was introduced in March 2001--long before the recent 
attacks. But this Joint Resolution couldn't be more timely. This 
Resolution would lower the American flags on all federal office 
buildings each year, to coincide with the annual memorial service for 
fallen firefighters that takes place at the National Fallen 
Firefighters' Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland. This year's service 
will take place on October 7th in a nationally televised ceremony.

[[Page 18308]]

  I can think of no better time to pass this legislation and honor our 
Nation's fallen firefighters, whose bravery and courage save lives 
every day.
  In closing, I would like to recite the Firemen's Prayer.

     When I'm called to duty God wherever flames may be
     Give me the strength to save some life whatever be its age
     Help me embrace a little child before it is too late
     Or save an older person from the horror of that fate
     Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout
     And quickly and efficiently to put the fire out
     I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me
     To guard my every neighbor and protect their property
     And if according to your will I lose my life
     Please bless with protective hand
     My children and my wife.

  This bill is a tribute to the fallen firefighters from Texas, from 
New York and from around the country who dedicate their life to saving 
the lives of others.
  I urge you to support H.J. Res. 42.

                              {time}  1445

  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman 
from Delaware (Mr. Castle), the principal author of this resolution.
  Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the 
time, and I also rise today in strong support of the Fallen 
Firefighters Act of 2001. As the author of the bill, I am proud to be 
able to help honor our firefighters.
  This legislation serves as a remembrance to the heroic men and women 
who have died in the line of duty by requiring the American flag on all 
Federal buildings to be lowered half staff one day each year on the 
observance of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. This 
year's service will be held this Sunday, October 7, in Emmitsburg, 
Maryland, at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. President and 
Mrs. Bush are scheduled to attend the ceremony.
  This year's service will be especially emotional in the wake of the 
terrorist attack on America where hundreds of brave men and women gave 
their lives to save those of thousands of strangers. I have personally 
visited the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and continue to be 
amazed by the work these men and women continue to do on a daily basis 
and the work they have done that has saved thousands upon thousands of 
lives.
  I continue to be touched as I attend numerous town ceremonies in the 
wake of the tragedy by the support that both for firefighters in our 
communities and their unwavering dedication to their communities, 
fellow firefighters, and our country.
  Firefighters provide one of the most valuable services imaginable to 
this country and its people, that of saving lives and safeguarding our 
precious lands. With integrity, firefighters preserve the safety in the 
communities they serve with tireless dedication and commitment. These 
heroes need to be recognized and thanked by all Americans, not just in 
the wake of this horrible tragedy but to the nearly 1.2 million men and 
women who serve our country as fire and emergency services personnel on 
a daily basis. Firefighters are our first line of defense in both 
natural and man-made disasters, walking into burning buildings and 
battling forest fires with determination and defiance.
  Approximately one-third of our Nation's finest suffer debilitating 
injuries each year, making it one of the most dangerous jobs in 
America. Furthermore, approximately 100 men and women die in the line 
of duty every year. Many are volunteers. Since 1981, every state in 
America, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, have lost 
firefighters serving in the line of duty.
  Since 1981 the names of 2,077 fallen fire heroes have been added to 
the Roll of Honor. Ninety-six men and women who lost their lives in 
2000 will be honored in October. This year the name of Arnold 
Blankenship, Jr., of Greenwood, Delaware, will be placed on the 2000 
memorial plaque. Sadly, Mr. Blankenship is not the first firefighter in 
Delaware to be memorialized. He will join H. Thomas Tucker, James 
Goode, Jr., W. Jack Northam, and Prince A. Mousley, Jr.
  Lowering the flag on Federal buildings 1 day a year will remind all 
Americans of the patriotic service and dedicated efforts of our fire 
and emergency services personnel. In October 2002, the over 300 
firefighters who lost their lives in the attack on America will also be 
honored at the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service, along with 
81 of their colleagues who also died in the line of duty during 2001, 
and sadly, that number may grow by the end of this year.
  It is important for this legislation to be in place to honor all of 
these heroic men and women who have served our community and our 
Nation. These men and women work tirelessly to protect and preserve the 
lives and property of their fellow citizens. Through this legislation, 
we can show our support and respect for America's fire heroes and those 
who carry on the noble tradition of service.
  We must always remember the contributions of all of our public safety 
officers. In 1961 Congress passed a joint resolution honoring America's 
police officers who died in the line of duty in recognition of their 
dedicated service to their communities and amended it in 1994 to lower 
the flag to half staff. Today, we take the first step in bestowing the 
same respect on the 1.2 million fire and emergency services personnel 
who also serve as public safety officers.
  I would like to thank all the Members who sponsored this legislation, 
and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and recognize 
these heroic men and women.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, can the Chair indicate how 
much time we have remaining?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Biggert). The gentlewoman from Texas 
(Ms. Jackson-Lee) has 13\1/2\ minutes. The gentleman from Wisconsin 
(Mr. Sensenbrenner) has 10\1/2\ minutes.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield 7 minutes to the 
distinguished gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), someone who has 
often risen to this floor in support of the outstanding work of our 
Nation's firefighters.
  Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. 
Jackson-Lee) for her leadership on this committee. I thank the chairman 
of the committee, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner), for 
bringing this legislation to the floor, and I want to congratulate my 
good friend, former governor of Delaware, the gentleman from Delaware 
(Mr. Castle), for authoring this legislation.
  I might say that the gentleman from Delaware has the honor of 
representing probably one of the very best fire departments in America 
and, indeed, the world. A service that is, I think, without denigrating 
my Maryland firefighters in any way, without anybody surpassing them in 
their role they play, not only in their community but in this country.
  Madam Speaker, I have the honor of co-chairing the Fire Service 
Caucus with my good friend, the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Fire Chief 
Weldon, who temporarily is a Member of Congress for many years, but he 
was a fire chief. He knows firsthand the dangers that exist. I have the 
honor of being the honorary chief at Company 26 in Prince George's 
County, Maryland.
  I rise today in support of the gentleman from Delaware's resolution 
to require the flying of the American flag at half staff to honor not 
only all fallen firefighters but as well emergency medical response 
teams who are in lock step with the fire fighters in responding to 
crises.
  The tragic events of the last month have, of course, reminded all of 
us of the valor and sacrifice of our Nation's first responders. The 
enormous loss of life would have been much higher if it were not for 
their bravery, displayed on television just a few days ago.
  In New York, as frightened citizens raced down the staircase of the 
World Trade Center, firefighters raced up the

[[Page 18309]]

staircases to fight the 2,000 degree fire; going at the fire, not from 
it. That fire was engulfing the building. Their task was to evacuate 
the wounded. Sadly, as we know, over 300, 343, as has been mentioned, 
lost their lives in that fire and in the buildings' collapse.
  They are mourned today, along with their colleagues, who died at 
other fires and other emergencies. This weekend, I and many of my 
colleagues will go to Emmitsburg, Maryland, to attend the National 
Fallen Firefighters Memorial annual observance. There we will add the 
names of 101 firefighters from 38 States who were killed in the line of 
duty in the year 2000. In one 120-minute period, we lost three and a 
half times as many firefighters and emergency response personnel and 
police as we lost in all of 2000. That is the magnitude of what 
happened on September 11.
  Madam Speaker, there was a newspaper ad in today's paper, and it 
said, ``The True Badges of Courage.'' We have all heard about the Red 
Badge of Courage. We have all heard it said, ``that is a badge of 
courage.'' The true badges of courage are those worn by our police 
personnel, those worn by our fire personnel, and those worn by our 
emergency medical response teams. These men and women who died last 
year may not have died in a terrorist incident, but their sacrifice is 
equally great and equally tragic. This resolution honors them and those 
that will follow, and I urge all of my colleagues to support the 
measure.
  Now, Madam Speaker, let me add this. The gentleman from New Jersey 
(Mr. Pascrell), the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon), the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews), the gentleman from Delaware 
(Mr. Castle), myself, and many others, as well as all of the people on 
the floor here supported the Fire Act, which we passed as a part of the 
defense authorization bill last year. And in that context, we 
appropriated $100 million, $100 million for over 32,000 fire companies 
in America. There have been, I think I am correct, $3.5 billion worth 
of requests for training, for equipment, and for HAZMAT training, 
equipment to deal with hazardous materials.
  Flying the flag at half-staff is an appropriate thing for us to do; 
but, my colleagues, as we vote on this resolution, I trust that we will 
also commit ourselves to, at a minimum, adding $50 million as we 
consider the VA-HUD appropriations bill. We need not only to add the 50 
million additional dollars that were put in the Senate bill to get that 
fund to $150 million, but we are authorized at $300 million.
  The firefighters and emergency responders of America need better 
training and better equipment. We give billions of dollars to law 
enforcement throughout this country. It is right and proper that we do 
so. But we have seen a dramatic example of how critical the fire 
service and emergency medical response teams are in league with our law 
enforcement officials. My hope is that as we appropriate funds to 
ensure that America can respond to terrorism or to other calamities, 
that we will empower our firefighting personnel and emergency response 
teams to do so with as much safety to themselves and much effectiveness 
on behalf of the safety of others as we can possibly do.
  And so I rise in strong support of this resolution. And we ought to 
salute that flag when we see it at half-staff and remember those who 
have fallen as they responded to the call to save lives, protect 
property, and make America a safer place. But let us also remember that 
we need to invest more of our treasure in protecting our firefighters 
and emergency response teams and giving them better equipment and 
better training to do their jobs better so that America, our 
communities, our schools, and our homes will be safer places.
  Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) 
for her leadership, as well as the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. 
Sensenbrenner); and, clearly, I thank the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. 
Castle) for honoring the Emmitsburg event, but we need to honor 
Emmitsburg's 1-day event for the other 364 days of the year as well.
  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman 
from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon), who was a fire chief before his 
election to Congress and who, together with me, are the only Members of 
Congress that own Dalmations, the firefighters' mascot.
  Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for 
yielding me this time and would now tell him that I am the proud owner 
of my third Dalmation. He has two; I now have three. So we are part of 
the Dalmation Caucus.
  I rise in strong support of this legislation, Madam Speaker. We have 
to ask the basic question: Who are the firefighters? We think they are 
the people that put out the fires. They are older than the country is 
itself. The first fire department was formed 250 years ago. They are in 
every community, 32,000 departments. But they do not just fight the 
fires. They are the first in on the floods, the hurricanes, the 
tornadoes, and the earthquakes. They rescue the cats in the trees. They 
pump the cellars out when they are flooded. When a child is lost, they 
are the first ones to organize a search party.

                              {time}  1500

  The places where they work are where the Boy Scout troops meet and 
the Girl Scout troops meet. It is where you vote on election day. They 
organize the parades, the July 4 celebrations. They are the heart and 
soul of America. There is no single group of people in this country, 
none, that does what our firefighters do.
  Eighty-five percent of them are volunteers. Imagine, Madam Speaker, 
having our police department hold a chicken dinner to raise the money 
to buy a police car. Imagine asking our highway department to have a 
tag day to buy the garbage truck. Yet, all across America, fire 
departments, many of them volunteer, go out and scrape to raise the 
dollars to protect their towns.
  They are now being asked to deal with unbelievable disasters. The 
World Trade Center is the epitome of what can occur, but they were 
there. I was on the scene Friday when it happened. I was talking to the 
head of the local union, Kevin Gallaher, and to the national president, 
Harold Schaitberger. They said firefighters have made it to the 80th 
floor to rescue people coming down.
  The least we can do is to have our country pay tribute to them. The 
least we can do is do what my colleague said and start to fund them at 
somewhere near the level that our military and police officers get. Our 
military gets $300 billion a year. Our police officers get $4 billion a 
year from the Federal Government. The amount of money our fire and 
emergency service workers get is $100 million for the first time this 
year. We can do better.
  I support this legislation. I congratulate my good friend and 
colleague and my other good friend and colleague and the chairman of 
the committee. I ask my colleagues to vote for the flag but vote for 
the support of our America's heroes, our fire and EMS personnel.
  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella).
  Mrs. MORELLA. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman, for yielding me 
time. I thank the gentleman for bringing this bill to the floor. Madam 
Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) for her 
leadership.
  I certainly want to rise in strong support of memorializing fallen 
firefighters by lowering the American flag to half-staff in honor of 
the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Emittsburg, 
Maryland.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to commend the gentleman from Delaware 
(Mr. Castle) for introducing this legislation, which I hope will have 
unanimous support of this House. These brave men and women have given 
the ultimate sacrifice in answering the call to help.
  Yesterday, with some other Members of the House, I visited New York 
City and saw ground zero for the first time. It is indeed ground hero. 
The devastation was more than ever could have

[[Page 18310]]

been envisioned, and I know I will never forget what I saw there.
  What is even more indelibly stamped in my mind is the obvious 
evidence of heroism that has taken place at that site. We all know of 
the heroic actions made by firefighters and rescue workers in the 
moments after the planes first struck the towers. But they have 
continued to compromise their safety since September 11 while searching 
the World Trade Center for survivors and in aiding in the monumental 
clean-up efforts.
  Words cannot express our gratitude for their hard work and their 
sacrifice during these difficult times. As a matter of fact, 343 of 
these firefighters became victims themselves.
  The bravery that New York has demonstrated during these times is also 
occurring here in the Washington, D.C. area. Firefighters, police, and 
other search and rescue workers have been working at the Pentagon to 
support our Nation's recovery efforts. I visited with rescue workers 
there shortly after the terrible tragic event occurred and noted their 
search for potential survivors of the terrorist attacks. The courageous 
workers at the Pentagon, and I want to single out the Montgomery 
County, Maryland, Urban Search and Rescue Team, 70 strong, like the 
rescue workers in New York, demonstrated selfless acts of heroism as 
they searched for survivors of the tragedy.
  All of these rescue workers during this tragedy, like all 
firefighters and rescue workers before and since, endure the shock, 
sadness and loss that we all feel from witnessing horrific events. 
However, they preserve, through the experience, working hard to meet 
the needs of our neighbors and friends who have been personally 
impacted by devastating events, such as the attacks on September 11. 
They persevere. We should certainly give them credit.
  This gesture of memorializing fallen firefighters by lowering the 
American flag to half-staff is an important way of honoring those 
individuals who have valiantly given the ultimate sacrifice to protect 
their neighbors. Therefore, I do urge all Members to support this 
legislation, to help to remember our fallen firefighters by lowering 
the American flag to half-staff in honor of the National Fallen 
Fighters Memorial Service in Emittsburg, Maryland, and to remember them 
in our prayers.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), the ranking member of the 
Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency Organization of the Committee 
on Government Reform.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the gentlewoman 
for yielding me time.
  I want to associate myself with the very passionate, pointed and 
eloquent remarks of all of those who have spoken.
  It occurs to me, as it does all of us, that during and since 
September 11 when the terrorist attack took place, we have seen many 
indications of heroics. We have seen many people rise to the occasion. 
But, of course, firefighters rise to the occasion each and every day of 
their lives, whether there is a national crisis or not. They wake up in 
the morning, knowing that they are going to an uncertain future. I 
commend all of those who would pause, stop for a moment, and pay 
tribute to these men and women. It seems to me there is nothing less we 
could do than to make sure that there is adequate compensation and 
appropriated resources for their needs.
  Finally, I remember a poem that I grew up listening to, ``The Charge 
of the Light Brigade.'' It seems to me that the words of that poem 
suggested that ``Their's not to reason why, their's but to do and die . 
. . into the jaws of Death . . . they rode.
  Madam Speaker, these men and women ride or walk each and every day 
into an uncertain future. They are to be commended, and I commend the 
author of this legislation.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as 
I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his eloquent support of this 
legislation; and finally say, firefighters appeared on September 11 at 
the World Trade Centers, Pentagon, and Somerset, Pennsylvania, as they 
appear in our neighborhoods around the Nation.
  I thank the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle) and his cosponsors 
for this legislation and associate myself with the remarks of the 
distinguished gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon) and the 
distinguished gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) and advocate for 
greater funding for the fire act. We must do no less, for when I went 
home, my firefighters asked me about greater funding. I believe the 
tragic events of September 11, along with this very important 
legislation, refocuses on these valiant heroes who offer their lives 
every day. We must fund them at the maximum amount. I ask support for 
H.J. Res. 42.
  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
H.J. Res. 42, which would require American flags on all federal office 
buildings to be lowered to half-staff in honor of the annual National 
Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Emittsburg, Maryland.
  H.J. Res. 42 recognizes the over 300 New York firefighters who gave 
their lives to save others during the terrorist attack on the World 
Trade Center. According to the International Association of Fire 
Fighters, more public safety officers were lost in the terrorist attack 
on the United States than any other single event in modern history.
  What happened at the World Trade Center will live in our memories 
forever. We can be proud that at a time of great peril, New York's 
firefighters answered the call. They conducted themselves with a 
selflessness and dedication that does credit to themselves, their city, 
and their country.
  This resolution also recognizes the heroic firefighters in every 
small town and suburb and big city across America who gave their lives. 
Last year in Michigan alone, four firefighters died in duty-related 
incidents. Each of these deaths is a tragedy for family, friends, and 
community.
  I will not forget their sacrifice, and neither will America. This 
resolution honors all those who gave their lives to protect their 
communities. I urge my colleagues to support it.
  Mr. GILMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.J. Res. 42, 
resolving that each year the American flags on U.S. Federal buildings 
will fly at half staff in memory of our Nation's fallen firefighters.
  As our Nation moves forward with steadfast resolve in the wake of the 
recent terrorist attacks, we remember the bravery and selfless 
sacrifices of all the men and women in uniform who rushed in to save 
their fellow citizens in emergency situations throughout the history of 
our great Nation. On average, our Nation loses over 100 firefighters in 
the line of duty each year. This sad statistic will regrettably 
increase at least threefold this year.
  In my own district we lost over 35 firefighters and police officers 
in the barbaric September 11th attacks on New York. That is more 
firefighters in one day from one congressional district than the entire 
state of New York lost between 1998 and 2000. The grief and anger which 
we share with the families of our firefighters, police officers, and 
fellow citizens strengthens our collective resolve. We are comforted by 
the undaunted courage of our fallen firefighters and the love and 
dedication they had for their chosen profession.
  Many more will follow proudly and courageously in this uncommon 
profession. Many more may have to pay the ultimate sacrifice. It is a 
small but proper tribute to these brave men and women that we ask our 
nation to remember their sacrifices by lowering our nation's flag in 
their memory. Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to fully support this 
important, timely bill.
  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Madam Speaker, certainly, nothing will memorialize 
the courageous and outstanding firefighters of this nation, more than 
the vivid pictures of them responding so selflessly, endangering and 
too often sacrificing their own lives to save those placed in peril by 
the terrorists actions of September 11th. Their heroism continues even 
today, and will be evident far into the future in their addressing of 
this tragedy as it is in the everyday lives of all Americans.
  I am proud of the work of our Virgin Island firefighters, who have 
worked tirelessly and with inadequate and substandard equipment to 
protect the property and the lives of my constituents. That is why our 
offices worked so hard to bring them badly needed equipment dollars. I 
thank FEMA for hearing our pleas, and providing close to $1 million to 
provide the tools they need to do the job they have committed 
themselves to.
  We are deeply and forever indebted to the over 300 firefighters who 
did not make it out

[[Page 18311]]

of the World Trade building and eventual debris alive. We are also 
indebted to their families. I also thank the VI firefighters for their 
raising funds for their families and traveling to New York City to 
offer support and help. We also today and this week remember all of our 
nation's firemen and women who have fallen in the line of duty.
  As ranking member of the Subcommittee on Parks Recreation, and Public 
Lands I want to especially remember those who have given their lives in 
fighting fires in our nations parks and public lands, and in protecting 
them and neighboring properties.
  So I gladly join my colleagues in support of H.J. Res. 42 
memorializing fallen firefighters by lowering the American flag to half 
staff in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in 
Emittsburg Maryland.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of 
my time.
  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Biggert). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) that the 
House suspend the rules and pass the joint resolution, H.J.Res. 42, as 
amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. 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.

                          ____________________