[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 17434]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       FAMILY HUMANITARIAN RELIEF

  Mr. BROWNBACK. Mr. President, next week marks the fifth anniversary 
of the attacks of September 11. On this solemn occasion, we reflect 
upon the lives of those who were lost and the families they left 
behind. Images of the planes hitting the two massive towers filled with 
innocent Americans are emblazoned in our minds and stir our conscience. 
Heroic tales of firefighters, police officers and first responders 
falling in the line of duty evoke deep pangs of sadness yet fill our 
hearts with great pride for our country.
  It is important that during this time we remember the families of 
these victims of terror. They have suffered greatly, and we continue to 
mourn for their loved ones and honor their memories. But there are some 
families whose grief is also mixed with fear. The victims for whom they 
grieve were immigrants working in the World Trade Center, and the 
families that are left behind face potential deportation. Thus, in 
addition to the already incalculable loss inflicted upon them by the 
terrorists, these relatives face yet another hardship.
  It is in the context of this situation that I wish to recognize the 
work of Debra Brown Steinberg. For the past 5 years, Ms. Steinberg has 
tirelessly sought to undo this injustice and allow these relatives to 
grieve alongside the thousands of other victims' families without fear 
of arrest and removal. Ms. Steinberg has dedicated her time--pro bono--
to this cause and has been recognized time and again for her efforts.
  My colleagues and I introduced legislation, known as the September 11 
Family Humanitarian Relief and Patriotism Act, which would provide the 
necessary relief for these families. Now that a year has passed since 
the bill's introduction, and as we approach the fifth anniversary of 9/
11, it is time to bring closure for the sake of the families and for 
the sake of honoring the memories of those killed.
  Our tradition teaches us to have compassion for the widow, the 
orphan, and the stranger among us. Debra Steinberg's action on behalf 
of the immigrant victims' families exemplifies such compassion. We have 
much to learn from her on this day, and I am proud to honor her 
achievements.

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