[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18408]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



      NATURE MAY PROVIDE COMFORT FOR VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACKS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 2, 2001

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, over the last weeks Members of Congress have 
stepped outside of party boundaries, joining together and unanimously 
supporting millions of dollars to aid victims, families, and rescue 
workers affected by the September 11th attacks. Now, in addition to 
financial assistance, it is important for us to provide outlets for 
these victims and their families through the grieving and recovery 
process.
  The legislation I introduce today continues the bipartisan spirit of 
the Congress, as it is cosponsored by Resources Committee Chairman 
James Hansen. The bill would direct the Secretary of the Interior to 
create a program under which the survivors and families of the victims 
of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as 
the emergency personnel who responded to that crisis, may visit our 
national parks, forests, and public lands free of charge.
  Ralph Waldo Emerson said Nature is the symbol of the spirit and that 
Nature turns all malfeasance to good. While this proposal cannot 
adequately respond to the loss of those who grieve, perhaps the 
experience of our Nation's greatest treasures--our parks and forests, 
our mountains and rivers--will help strengthen America's well-being--
physically, mentally and spiritually. That is why I have named this 
bill the Healing Opportunities in National Parks and the Environment 
Act, the HOPE Act. It is important that we keep hope alive in the wake 
of the recent tragic events as we recover and rebuild.
  There may come a time when a fireman, or a nurse, or a survivor, who 
has seen far too much pain and suffering, may decide that a day at the 
lake with his or her family would provide welcome relief. Let us 
continue to aid these victims and family members as we already have 
financially. Let us provide the victims and family members the symbol 
of the spirit--to aid in their spiritual and mental healing. We can 
facilitate this by providing lifetime free access to all of our natural 
wonders.
  This legislation will make that possible. This legislation is just a 
small gesture that might encourage someone who is suffering to seek 
comfort in the beauty of this great land. Like most Americans we 
continue to struggle with a response to these events. This is just one 
step Congress can take to support America's greatest natural resources, 
our citizens.

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