[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 15]
[House]
[Pages 21000-21004]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



   EXPRESSING PROFOUND SORROW OF THE CONGRESS FOR DEATH AND INJURIES 
   SUFFERED BY FIRST RESPONDERS IN AFTERMATH OF TERRORIST ATTACKS ON 
                           SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

  Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree 
to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 233) expressing the profound 
sorrow of the Congress for the death and injuries suffered by first 
responders as they endeavored to save innocent people in the aftermath 
of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on 
September 11, 2001.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 233

       Whereas law enforcement officers, firefighters, and 
     emergency medical personnel are collectively known as first 
     responders;
       Whereas following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade 
     Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, first 
     responders reacted immediately in evacuating and rescuing 
     innocent people from the buildings;
       Whereas first responders also arrived quickly at the crash 
     site of United Airlines flight 93 in southwestern 
     Pennsylvania;
       Whereas if it were not for the heroic efforts of first 
     responders immediately after the terrorist attacks, numerous 
     additional casualties would have resulted from the attacks;
       Whereas as the first emergency personnel to arrive at the 
     scenes of the terrorist attacks, first responders risked 
     their lives in their efforts to save others;
       Whereas while first responders were bravely conducting the 
     evacuation and rescue after the terrorist attack on the World 
     Trade Center, the two towers of that complex collapsed, and 
     many first responders themselves became victims of the 
     attack;
       Whereas the everyday well-being, security, and safety of 
     Americans depend upon the official duties of first 
     responders;
       Whereas in addition to their official duties, first 
     responders around the Nation participate in planning, 
     training, and exercises to respond to terrorist attacks;
       Whereas emergency managers, public health officials, and 
     medical care providers also invest significant time in 
     planning, training, and exercises to better respond to 
     terrorist attacks in the United States;
       Whereas the Nation has not forgotten the heroic efforts of 
     first responders after the bombing of the World Trade Center 
     on February 26, 1993, and the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah 
     Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on April 19, 
     1995;
       Whereas there are numerous Federal programs that help 
     prepare first responders from across the Nation, including 
     the Domestic Preparedness Program and other training and 
     exercise programs administered by the Department of Justice;
       Whereas there are also domestic preparedness programs 
     administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, 
     which together with the programs of the Department of Justice 
     support State and local first responders with funding, 
     training, equipment acquisition, technical assistance, 
     exercise planning, and execution;
       Whereas many of the first responders who participate in 
     such programs do so on their own time;
       Whereas an effective response of local first responders to 
     a terrorist attack saves lives; and
       Whereas in response to a terrorist attack, first responders 
     are exposed to a high risk of bodily harm and death as the 
     first line of defense of the United States in managing the 
     aftermath of the attack: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That the Congress--
       (1) expresses its profound sorrow for the death and 
     injuries suffered by first responders as they endeavored to 
     save innocent people in the aftermath of the terrorist 
     attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on 
     September 11, 2001;
       (2) expresses its deepest sympathies to the families and 
     loved ones of the fallen first responders;
       (3) honors and commends the first responders who 
     participated in evacuating and rescuing the innocent people 
     in the World Trade Center and the Pentagon after the 
     terrorist attacks;
       (4) encourages the President to issue a proclamation 
     calling upon the people of the United States to pay respect 
     to the first responder community for their service in the 
     aftermath of the terrorist attacks and their continuing 
     efforts to save lives; and
       (5) encourages all levels of government to continue to work 
     together to effectively coordinate emergency preparedness by 
     providing the infrastructure, funding, and interagency 
     communication and cooperation necessary to ensure that when 
     another terrorist attack occurs, first responders will be as 
     prepared as possible to respond to the attack effectively.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Costello) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette).
  Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, I would first note that H. Con. Res. 233 was 
discharged from committee consideration and has been expeditiously 
brought to the floor for immediate action. Although this is not the 
normal process, in the interest of time the committee will occasionally 
discharge consideration, particularly for a measure as important as 
this. What the House will do in the next 40 minutes is important, and 
we will discuss, and this piece of legislation will honor true American 
heroes.
  H. Con. Res. 233 recognizes the sacrifice and dedication of all of 
the emergency responders who risked their lives assisting in relief 
efforts following the terrorist attacks of September 11. Tragically, 
many of these initial responders became victims of the attacks and did 
not survive the collapse of the World Trade Center. Three hundred 
forty-three firefighters, 23 police officers, and 74 members of the 
Port Authority are all dead and many are still

[[Page 21001]]

missing. Twenty-eight engine companies suffered losses in New York, and 
another 25 ladder companies. The Fire Department lost its chaplain and 
its heroic chief. In fact, Madam Speaker, so many commanders were lost 
that fateful morning that Mayor Giuliani needed to promote 168 new 
officers 2 days later. The sense of duty that these heroic men and 
women felt on the morning of September 11 is nothing short of 
extraordinary. Those on-duty, off-duty, retired, on medical leave and 
on vacation rushed to the scene. One group of firefighters even 
commandeered a city bus in order to get to the scene. They went in so 
thousands more could get out.
  James Coyle, who was a rookie firefighter at age 26, was on vacation. 
He rushed to the scene to join Ladder Company No. 3 that morning and it 
cost him his life. Walwyn Stuart had left his job as a New York City 
narcotics cop when his wife became pregnant. He wanted safer work and 
he joined the Port Authority police. The morning of September 11 he was 
on duty at the PATH station at the World Trade Center. He helped 
evacuate the station and then went into the North Tower to save others. 
He has left behind a wife and a 1-year-old daughter.
  James Corrigan, the World Trade Center fire marshal, is credited with 
leading a team of his men to get dozens of children out of day care 
facilities that morning. He and five of his colleagues died, but not 
before saving the children, some of whom were trapped because the exits 
near the day care center were clogged with folks trying to rush out of 
the building. Corrigan and his men broke through windows and carried 
the children through shattered glass to safety before rushing back in 
to help others.
  Madam Speaker, there are so many stories of heroism and courage that 
have fortified our country since September 11. Americans have the most 
profound respect for our police and firefighters before and certainly 
now. These men and women were the first in, and to this day the 
rescuers have paused only to honor the dead and the missing. There are 
countless stories of firefighters having their charred, melted boots 
cut off their feet, of having their wounds bandaged and then defying 
doctors' orders and returning, battered and exhausted, to Ground Zero 
to try to find that one living miracle.
  As a Nation, we are awed and humbled by their courage, their effort 
and their sacrifice. We thank those who rushed into the fiery World 
Trade Center and the Pentagon and rose to the challenge that was the 
core of their everyday lives and their beloved professions. We grieve 
for all those rescue workers who gave their lives, for the 4,700 
innocent victims of this abhorrent terrorist attack, and for the family 
members and friends who are left behind.
  So many lives were changed forever that morning. Fathers, mothers, 
sons, husbands, wives, daughters, coworkers and friends were lost. 
Those moments of terror forever changed the landscape of too many 
families in this country. Jean Palombo of Brooklyn, who was the wife of 
Frank Palombo of Ladder Company 105, became a widow at the age of 41. 
She is today left to raise 10 children, ages 11 months to 15 years, 
eight boys and two girls. Gigi Nelson was 8 months pregnant with her 
first child when her husband, Peter, went into the World Trade Center 
that morning. He was working overtime with Rescue Company No. 4 on 
September 11 to help out with the expenses of the new baby. Twenty-five 
days after the World Trade Center collapsed, Peter Nelson's first 
child, daughter Lyndsi Ann, was born. When she is old enough, Madam 
Speaker, she will learn of her father's heroism.
  These children and so many others will grow up knowing what America 
knows, that their parents were heroes in the purest sense of the word. 
It is fitting that we take this opportunity to consider H. Con. Res. 
233 to pay tribute to those first responders who perished while doing 
their jobs and while saving so many others.
  I urge my colleagues to join in support of this resolution.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1630

  Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, I am pleased to join the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. 
Watts) and many of our colleagues in strong support of this 
legislation.
  House Concurrent Resolution 233 honors and commends the first 
responders who responded to the call to evacuate and rescue thousands 
of people at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the crash site 
of United Flight 93 in Pennsylvania following the horrific events of 
September 11.
  This resolution also expresses our profound sorrow for the emergency 
service personnel who were injured or perished on September 11 and 
extends our sympathy to their families. It encourages the President of 
the United States to issue a proclamation calling upon the American 
people to support our emergency service workers and encourages all 
levels of government to continue to work together to coordinate 
emergency preparedness.
  These first responders, our firefighters, law enforcement officers 
and emergency medical service personnel, risked and gave their lives so 
that others could get to safety.
  In the immediate days following the attack, thousands of the first 
responders rushed to offer assistance, and many are still working 
around the clock at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. We are 
very appreciative for what they have done and continue to do. Without 
their help, many more would have been injured or perished.
  Our Nation's emergency preparedness is dependent upon our local first 
responders. Federal programs within FEMA and the Department of Justice 
help prepare and support first responder programs, but the strength of 
the program nationwide is that the service providers are local. They 
are often volunteers, and each of them is highly involved in their 
community.
  I strongly encourage all levels of government to work together to 
more effectively plan and coordinate our Nation's domestic terrorism 
programs. As we have witnessed, the emergency responders are our first 
line of defense in the aftermath of a terrorist incident. It is 
critical that our Nation and our national preparedness programs assist 
our local first responders by providing them with the best information, 
training, and equipment.
  Madam Speaker, our Nation's first responders deserve our gratitude 
for their heroic work on September 11 and what they do to protect and 
help all of us and our families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days 
a year. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time 
as he may consume to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watts), the 
author of House Concurrent Resolution 233.
  Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend from Ohio for 
yielding me time.
  Madam Speaker, I rise to honor and respect and pay homage to the 
brave American firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical 
professionals who suffered injury and death as they helped those in 
need during the terrorist attack on our Nation.
  September 11, 2001, stirs many feelings to many people. I feel happy 
to be an American. Witnessing the heroic actions by these first 
responders shows that even in the face of senseless violence, there can 
be good. Knowing that so many people came to the aid of their neighbors 
proves there is so much goodness in this great land that we all call 
home.
  Just like the first responders 6 years ago in Oklahoma City, the 
emergency personnel in Manhattan, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon 
have done yeomen's work under the most difficult of circumstances. No 
one woke up that morning to know what would lie ahead. No one had 
warning or time to prepare that day. It was an immediate reaction of 
aid and rescuers, a life-saving effort of service to their country.

[[Page 21002]]

  To the families of the fallen, nothing can bring back the lives of 
loved ones. But Congress today expresses its profound sorrow while 
offering its bottomless gratitude. We are sorry you are suffering over 
the loss of your family and friends. We are grateful for the heroism 
exhibited by first responders who put their country, their duty and 
their love of their neighbors before themselves.
  The stories will be told for many years to come. There will be new 
anecdotes, new names and new faces. They will inspire generations of 
young first responders and offer reflection for all citizens alike.
  First responders plan and train for mass casualties every day, hoping 
the need for such large and difficult rescue efforts remains an 
exercise. But September 11 was real. The loss of life and injury to 
first responders was real. The attacks on our Nation were real.
  First responders will be there on the frontline for future tragedies. 
They will work night and day to rescue and assist the afflicted and the 
affected and the injured. We must never forget the work that they do. 
We must never forget the sacrifices that they make.
  I thank my colleagues, and especially the gentleman from New York 
(Mr. Engel), who has cosponsored this resolution with me; and I urge 
all Members to support this tribute to the first responders who made 
the ultimate sacrifice during their service to our Nation.
  Madam Speaker, I close by just reminding how often in the year 2001 
in today's society, we often throw around the word hero, and we are 
pretty cavalier about the word hero. But if you want to go and see a 
real live hero, go look at the men and women who put on the uniforms 
every day to serve in our fire departments around the country, some on 
a volunteer basis, those men and women who put on the police uniforms 
every single day. I might add I am pretty proud to say my father was a 
police officer, so I know the sacrifices that those men and women make, 
the selfless commitment that they make to our communities, to our 
States, to our Nation.
  On behalf of a grateful Nation, we say thank you to all of those 
first responders who go out every day and show us what real heroes are 
all about.
  Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from 
New York (Mr. Engel).
  Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding me time; and 
I thank my colleague, the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watts), for 
working with me on this resolution, as we have worked on so many other 
things in the past and will continue to do so in the future.
  This resolution was being put together prior to the events of 
September 11, but the events of September 11 have made us realize even 
more how fortunate we are to have the first responders. First 
responders obviously did not start on September 11. They have been 
there with us for all time; and we are very, very deeply grateful.
  The events of September 11 will be with us always. My thoughts and 
prayers are with all the families affected by this terrible tragedy. 
Though my heart is heavy, my spirits have been lifted by the incredible 
heroism and outpouring of support that we have witnessed since that 
day.
  The American spirit has not been diminished. Instead, it has been 
energized. On behalf of New York, I want to sincerely thank my 
colleagues and the American people for their outpouring of support to 
all of us during these very, very difficult times.
  I am so pleased to be here today and have the House of 
Representatives considering this resolution. It is, of course, timely 
and, of course, very warranted.
  I think it is particularly poignant that the gentleman from Oklahoma 
(Mr. Watts) is the sponsor of this resolution. I am proud to be a 
sponsor with him. The people of Oklahoma also know personally of the 
tragedy of terrorism.
  I do not know of anyone who does not get choked up when we hear the 
stories of people rushing away from the World Trade Center on the 
terrible day of September 11. But when they were rushing away, they 
were passing firefighters and police officers and emergency medical 
personnel who were running toward the World Trade Center. These first 
responders did not think of their own lives; they thought of saving 
other lives.
  So this resolution honors and commends the first responders, law 
enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel, 
who participated in evacuating and rescuing people at the World Trade 
Center and the Pentagon after the terrorist attacks on September 11. It 
also expresses Congress' profound sorrow for the deaths and injuries 
suffered by first responders and extends its deepest sympathies to the 
families and loved ones of those who died.
  I might say I visited ground zero a number of times and have again 
been overwhelmed by the outpouring of first responders again trying to 
pick through the rubble and trying to help and just trying to give 
comfort. First responders, ironworkers, my dad was an ironworker for 40 
years. It is something that really makes us proud to be Americans, 
proud to be New Yorkers.
  Like so many people, like so many New Yorkers, I have been personally 
affected by the attacks. My good friend and constituent, Sally 
Reganhard, lost her son Christian, who was also my constituent. 
Christian was a firefighter for only 6 weeks in New York City, and on 
September 11 he responded to the call of duty as he had during those 
past 6 weeks. We memorialized him last Friday at St. Patrick's 
Cathedral in New York. It was very, very difficult. There were 
thousands and thousands of people there, and firefighters from all 
around the country and Canada.
  Although my friend is very sad, indeed she and I and everyone who 
knew Christian are also very proud. He will always be with us and will 
always be a great role model and hero, again, as will all the other 
first responders who responded on those days.
  All Americans owe so much to these brave men and women that Congress 
is taking the time to recognize. It is the least we can do. Again I 
want to thank all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who have 
done so much to make this resolution a reality. We will continue to 
provide aid and comfort to those who suffered the terrible tragedies of 
September 11.
  Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time 
as he may consume to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest).
  Mr. GILCHREST. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me 
time.
  I want to thank the chairman and ranking member and the staff on both 
sides for bringing this resolution to the floor in what really is a 
timely manner for us to say a few words to, in the way we can, to honor 
those people who went to the tragedy to save lives and to comfort the 
afflicted.
  Whether they were firemen or policemen or medical personnel or just 
an average citizen responding to a tragedy, they responded in a way to 
save lives. They responded in a way to comfort those who were injured. 
They did not respond to political ideology, they did not respond to 
religious differences, they did not respond to the cultural divide that 
separates us from much of the rest of the world. They responded, pure 
and simple, to human suffering, human tragedy and human need. This is 
what we come here today to honor.


  It is very difficult for us to comprehend the madness that caused 
this tragedy. That is in fact pervasive and persistent in a tiny 
fraction of the human population. But it is easy to understand why so 
many brave men and women gave their lives on that tragic morning of 
September 11. It is easy for us, and we should always remember the 
unity of purpose for which they gave their lives and for which we are 
here this afternoon honoring that courage and that strength. It is for 
those young men and women, those middle-aged men and women, and those 
senior citizens that gave their lives that morning and for their 
friends and for their relatives and for America, to never forget. We 
will prevail.
  Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and 
I yield back the balance of my time.

[[Page 21003]]


  Mr. LaTOURETTE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, to briefly close, we want to thank on the subcommittee 
and the full committee the work of the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. 
Watts) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) for bringing this 
important piece of legislation to our attention. We want to thank the 
leadership of our committee, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. 
Oberstar) and the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), for making sure it 
is being expeditiously considered.
  Madam Speaker, there are some things that you do not think you are 
going to see in life. Many in this Chamber and have had the opportunity 
to visit the carnage at the Pentagon and what was the World Trade 
Center, what is known as ground zero, but no one in this Chamber was 
there as it was occurring. But the men and women that we honor with H. 
Con. Res. 233 were in fact there.
  I was struck, I come from a small town, I know my ranking member, the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Costello), does not come from a big area 
like the gentleman from New York City (Mr. Engel), but from time to 
time in our local newspapers we will see a display such as it this, and 
it will be the smiling graduating class of a police or fire academy.

                              {time}  1645

  On September 23, this ran in The New York Times. Madam Speaker, these 
faces are the faces of those who died in an attempt to save others, not 
just an attempt, they saved countless others on the morning of 
September 11. It is not until that we can look at two full pages in the 
newspaper of lives that were full and vibrant prior to that morning of 
September 11 that we recognize again not only the gravity of what these 
terrorists have done to our country, but the raw courage of the first 
responders and the fire, the police and the Port Authority of New York 
City and in Washington, D.C. as well. So I am certain that every one of 
our colleagues will support this legislation, and I urge them to do 
that.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. 
Res. 233. Passage of this resolution pays proper respect to those brave 
public servants who were first to arrive at the World Trade Center and 
the Pentagon after the events that unfolded September 11, 2001.
  Madam Speaker, it has been nearly two months since the Nation was 
shocked into a new reality by agents of terror. In the days and weeks 
following these events, Americans of all races and creeds have been 
impressed with both the magnitude of the task those who responded first 
had to perform and the valor with which these public servants performed 
their duties.
  People all over the world have taken to calling these men and women 
heroes because of their selflessness, and this body should be no 
exception. It is fitting, then that we take time here today to honor 
those heroes. Those first to respond must hear clearly that America 
says thank you. Those first responders who were injured or lost their 
lives must also be recognized. To those brave public servants and their 
families I say, ``thank you for all you have sacrificed for this 
nation.''
  Madam Speaker we find ourselves in a new war. In this new war, we 
must develop new levels of respect for those who choose to save lives 
for a living. The contribution they have chosen to make to society has 
taken on a renewed importance. It is therefore of the utmost importance 
that we continue to find ways to integrate the actions of the various 
civic, state and federal institutions whose personnel must coordinate 
actions at the scene of a tragedy.
  This Congress is united in its support for those citizens whose job 
it is to save the day. We thank you and honor you for the work that you 
have done, and we ask that God continue to bless you as we face this 
uncertain future.
  Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, first I would like to thank Congressman 
Watts and my friend, Congressman Engel of New York for sponsoring this 
important resolution.
  Who are first responders?
  First responders are the brave policemen and women who raced to the 
scene of these horrific crimes against humanity. They are the firemen 
and women who raced to crumbling buildings veiled in stinging smoke and 
filled with fire without any thought to their personal safety. They 
were the emergency rescue personnel, EMT's, that perished in last 
month's terrorist attacks so that others may live.
  I do not think it is not an overstatement to say that the American 
spirit is embodied in the way these brave men and women lived and died.
  What makes a nation great?
  Our nation is built upon the principle that all men and women are 
created equal and free. Our government institutions, our economic might 
and our preeminent military strength all make America an envied model. 
But they are more the result than the cause of greatness.
  The true source of our greatness is a national spirit that imbues so 
many with the will to give what Abraham Lincoln called, ``the last full 
measure of devotion.'' Defending a cause larger than one's self. 
Risking their lives so that others may be saved. That is what these men 
and women did, and I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring these 
fallen heroes.
  This bill is in memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. 
May we always remember those who died so that others may live. And may 
we honor these brave men and women for their last full measure of 
devotion.
  Mr. GILMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 
233, expressing Congress' profound sorrow for the death and injuries 
suffered by first responders in the aftermath of the September 11 
Terrorist attacks.
  As our Nation resolutely moves forward 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 the myriad emergency situations which arose from the 
September 11th barbaric, terrorist attacks on our Nation.
  In my own district we lost over 35 firefighters and policeofficers in 
the September 11th attacks on New York, in addition to over 65 next of 
kin. These brave first responders paid the ultimate sacrifice in the 
valiant execution of their duties and their heroism will remain an 
enduring legacy to our Nation. We must never forget that thousands of 
innocent American citizens were saved by the actions of these first 
responders. We thank and honor them for their service to their country 
and to their fellow citizens. Accordingly I urge my colleagues to 
support this important measure.
  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Madam Speaker, with this resolution we honor 
those who on September 11 paid the ultimate sacrifice--the 
firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and police who are the first 
to arrive at the scene of an emergency, and the last to leave.
  According to the International Association of Fire Fighters, more 
public safety officers were lost in the attack on the United States 
yesterday than any other single event in modern history.
  As the Nation mourns the deaths of thousands of our fellow citizens, 
as we take stock of the destruction caused by last week's terrorist 
attacks, we should also pause for a moment to reflect on the brave men 
and women in New York City who put their lives on the line to protect 
fellow citizens.
  In every small town and suburb and big city across America, there are 
people just like the over 300 first responders who gave their lives in 
New York. In Michigan, we too have experienced the loss of emergency 
personnel. Last year alone, four Michigan firefighters lost their 
lives. Each of these deaths is a tragedy for family, friends, and 
community.
  What happened at the World Trade Center in New York will live in our 
memories forever. We can be proud that at a time of great peril, the 
Nation's first responders answered the call, conducting themselves with 
a selflessness and dedication that does credit to themselves, their 
city, and their country.
  Many thousands of people would not be alive today if it were not for 
the heroic efforts of these men and women. In one of the country's 
darkest hours, they kept faith with their colleagues, with those in 
need, and with their country.
  Our Nation's founders were deeply committed to the idea that the 
individual had an obligation to serve the community. The Nation's first 
responders live this ideal every day. They lived it again on September 
11, and because they did, they gave their lives.
  While we have cause to mourn these deaths, we should also celebrate 
the values their lives exhibited, values that represent the very best 
of America.
  We have suffered a grievous loss. But the wonderful thing about 
America is that we will bounce back. For every firefighter who fell on 
September 11, someone else will take his place. For every emergency 
responder who paid with his life, another will emerge. For every police 
and port authority officer who fell in the line of duty, another 
citizen will answer the call. That is the American way.
  On September 11, the Nation's firefighters showed the world what 
courage means. If we expect the fire services--many of whom depend on 
volunteers--to deal with terrorist attacks, we have a responsibility to 
provide

[[Page 21004]]

them with the help they need so that they can continue to protect lives 
and property.
  Madam Speaker, as a member of the conference on the defense 
authorization bill, I will be pushing for a large increase in the 
authorized funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program to 
$1 billion for each fiscal years 2002, 2003, and 2004.
  Our thoughts and our prayers are with the families of the fallen 
heroes to whom we owe so much. God bless those who have died, God bless 
their families, and God bless America.
  Mr. WALSH. Madam Speaker, I also rise in support of this resolution 
sponsored by Congressmen Engel and Watts, that expresses our profound 
sorrow for the senseless loss of life and injuries suffered by our 
heroic first responders as a result of the World Trade Center, 
Pentagon, and Pennsylvania tragedies on Tuesday, September 11, 2001. My 
prayers, thoughts and deepest sympathies are with their families and 
loved ones at this definitive moment in American history.
  Tocqueville once said of Americans, ``They show with complacency how 
an enlightened regard for themselves constantly prompts them to assist 
one another and inclines their willingness to sacrifice a portion of 
their time and property to the welfare of the state.'' These words 
describe the 300 firefighters and 70 police officers that have died in 
this senseless tragedy. Their names are forever inscribed on the 
portals of fame. America now truly understands how much we as a nation 
owe these heroic people, both those who have made the ultimate 
sacrifice, and those who continue to serve with honor day in and day 
out. God help us always to have these men and women who believe in what 
they are doing and who will fight to the very end for what they 
believe.
  This resolution also speaks to the unity of public safety officers. 
There is an old saying in the fire service that goes, ``Firemen are a 
brotherhood. They do not care what department a man belongs, if he is a 
fireman enrolled for the same purpose, fighting under the same banner, 
they are ready to extend the hand of fellowship.'' This is true 
literally and figuratively. Literally, there are many families who 
serve together as firefighters and police officers or both in New York 
City. Currently, they are working to help recover their figurative 
brothers and sisters. This figurative bond was also evident with the 
outpouring of help that came into the New York City, and Virginia from 
around the country and the world. So much help, that some of it had to 
be turned away. The literal and figurative unity is stronger than ever 
as a result of the attacks on our country.
  When I visited the Pentagon and ``Ground Zero'' with President Bush 
in New York, I saw first hand the destruction and the tireless rescue 
efforts underway. I thought to myself, ``why do these people, the 
firefighters and police officers, do what they do?'' I soon recalled a 
book I had read in the 1970's by Dennis Smith, a retired New York City 
fireman and founder of Firehouse Magazine who also assisted in the 
rescue efforts. In his classic book ``Report from Engine Co. 82'', an 
account of his life on a South Bronx fireman, Smith said after 
recovering a victim who had perished in a fire, ``I don't say anything 
further, nor does Billy, as I look up to his eyes. They are almost 
fully closed, but I can see they are wet and teary. The corneas are red 
from heat and smoke, and light reflects from the watered surface, and 
they sparkle. I wish my wife, my mother, and everyone who has ever 
asked me why I do what I do, could see the humanity, the sympathy, the 
sadness of these eyes, because this is the reason I continue to be a 
firefighter.'' America saw this same scene played out time and time 
again on September 11th and the following days. As a result, we as a 
nation can start to understand why they continuously sacrifice their 
lives and pay them a long overdue thank you.
  We thank them, we praise them, and we will never forget them. God 
bless these heroes, their families and God bless America.
  Mr. LaTOURETTE. 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 Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 
233.
  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. LaTOURETTE. 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.

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