[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Pages 18469-18470]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                       AMERICA: `BACK ON THE JOB'

  Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. Madam President, I would like to recognize 
the tremendous outpouring of solidarity and support from America's 
citizens in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks. The 
nation's collective reaction to the horror of that day has been one of 
compassion and focused determination. I am pleased, not just with the 
response from our elected officials and our opinion-makers, but with 
all of our citizens across the country who have shown such courage in 
the face of adversity.
  In an outcome that has surely flummoxed the mastermind of this 
tragedy, a reality has emerged: America is still strong and, because of 
this tragedy, America ultimately will be even stronger.
  There is no firmer support for this belief than the way in which 
Americans have worked, as directed by our Commander-in-Chief, to get 
back to the demands of our daily schedules. The best civilian offense 
in the aftermath of these attacks is not to cower to fears of future 
attacks, but instead to quickly `get back on the job' and resume our 
routines. To that end, our nation has been constructing an effective 
and forceful civilian offense. But we can still do more.
  I have come to the floor today to encourage the continuation of 
debate--specifically here in the Senate--on issues critical to our 
national security. A return to such a dialogue should not be frowned 
upon or considered as a sign of splintered resolve, but rather as proof 
that America and her values are alive and well.
  I commend President Bush and his advisors for their efforts thus far 
in preparing our minds and our military for the long battle we've 
undertaken. Our leaders, both civil and military, have built a 
coalition of nations sharing in our objective to thwart terrorist 
activity around the globe. We've sent a clear message to our friends, 
and they have responded with strong support.
  And just this morning, we've communicated another message. By 
announcing our intent to reopen National Airport, we're telling not 
only friends, but the whole world, that we Americans will not live in 
fear within our own borders. I am pleased with President Bush's 
announcement. Now that added security measures have been implemented, I 
agree with him: It's time to unlock the symbolic front door to our 
nation's capital and re-affirm our commitment to get back to business.
  That determination to get back to business is evident, not just at 
National, but at airports across the country. We have increased 
security measures at all airports, which in turn, have increased our 
sense that freedom has triumphed fear.
  It's important to recognize, though, that the lack of convenience 
resulting from increased security measures cannot, and should not, be 
misconstrued as a loss of liberty. Let us not confuse the longer lines 
at airports and the time-consuming luggage screenings as threats to 
liberty; instead, consider these measures as threats to terrorism.
  We are witnessing America's most important moment, and we are meeting 
the challenge with dignity and pride. With the events of September 11, 
tyranny has tried to mute the freedom that rings throughout our nation. 
We have defeated similar efforts in the past, and we will defeat them 
again. As long as we stand unified and stand strong, our spirit will 
never be silenced.
  The solidarity shown at the different levels of government of the 
past few weeks, within the various agencies, and across party lines has 
been unwavering. Here in the Senate, we swiftly approved legislation to 
provide $40 billion toward the recovery effort and to help finance the 
retaliation measures currently being developed by the U.S. Military 
under the direction of the President. In addition, we approved a 
resolution authorizing the use of force in response to the unwarranted 
attacks. Without question, this unity is an extraordinary asset for a 
country poised to wage an assault on terrorism.
  A few weeks ago, at Yankee Stadium in New York, and earlier at the 
National Cathedral in Washington, DC, thousands of people--Muslims, 
Jews, Hindus, Christians--people of all faiths--came together and 
honored and remembered the fallen heroes, the innocent lives, and the 
bright futures claimed by terrorism. At these services, and at services 
across the country and in my home state of Nebraska, people revived 
their spirits and their faith in democracy.
  These gatherings are visual displays of unity signaling that America 
is on the mend. Sure, for some of us, it may not ever feel like 
'business as usual' again, or at least for awhile, life in America may 
feel more like business as `unusual.' Nonetheless, it is important for 
we policymakers to get back to work, including debate and discussion of 
all these issues. Such action will help ensure the continued viability 
of democracy and the continued vitality of the United States of 
America. After all, lockstep agreement among policymakers is not an 
American ideal. The free exchange of ideas, which helped America 
flourish, was the terrorists' true target on September 11. The 
terrorists, who likely don't even understand the true meaning of 
freedom, loathe America's system of government, her ideals and her 
liberty.
  In response, we must show the world how the American government will 
carry on, that the people will continue to have their say, and that 
debate will still be the prelude to unity--and not the construct of 
obstruction.

[[Page 18470]]

  To be clear, I am not saying we, as a nation, will no longer be 
unified in this effort to combat terrorism. I am simply saying that we 
all need to actively participate in developing, not simply rubber-
stamping, policy.
  As a legislative body, we can return to the comparatively mundane 
and, consequently, more polarizing issues without losing sight of our 
resolve to fight terrorism. By doing so, we will not have swayed our 
national values to placate forces of evil.
  Yes, in times of tragedy, it is imperative to find a common bond to 
bring our nation together. But, as we heal our wounds, we must give all 
people, on all sides of an issue, a chance to be heard. After all, 
democracy is the healthiest alternative to war. Our weapons are words, 
and our nation's internal battles are fought on the grounds of the 
Constitution, rather than on the grounds of the combat zone.
  I do not believe in the bitter partisanship that has, at times, 
characterized our nation, but I do believe that debate is critical to a 
strong democracy. Freedom of expression is fundamental to life in 
America and, by extension, to healthy debate here in Congress. We in 
the Senate are free to speak our minds and hearts. And as a result of 
that freedom, we need to freely come together and return to `normal' 
debate empowered by the Constitution. Then, and only then, we will have 
successfully given back to the country that has given so much to each 
of us.

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