[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 13]
[House]
[Pages 18473-18488]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REGARDING THE 
 TERRORIST ATTACKS LAUNCHED AGAINST THE UNITED STATES ON SEPTEMBER 11, 
                                  2001

  Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 1420) expressing the sense of the House of 
Representatives regarding the terrorist attacks launched against the 
United States on September 11, 2001.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1420

       Whereas on the morning of September 11, 2001, terrorists 
     hijacked and destroyed four civilian aircraft, crashing two 
     of them into the towers of the World Trade Center in New York 
     City and a third into the Pentagon outside Washington, DC;
       Whereas the passengers and crew aboard United Flight 93 
     acted heroically to prevent the terrorist hijackers from 
     taking additional American lives, by crashing the plane in 
     Shanksville, Pennsylvania and sacrificing their own lives 
     instead;
       Whereas thousands of innocent men, women, and children were 
     brutally murdered in the attacks of September 11, 2001;
       Whereas 7 years later, the United States still mourns their 
     loss and honors their memory;
       Whereas by targeting symbols of American strength and 
     prosperity, the attacks were intended to assail the 
     principles and values of the American people, to intimidate 
     the Nation and its allies, and to weaken the national 
     resolve;
       Whereas the United States remains steadfast in its 
     determination to defeat, disrupt, and destroy terrorist 
     organizations and seeks to harness all elements of national 
     power, including its military, economic, and diplomatic 
     resources, to do so;

[[Page 18474]]

       Whereas Congress passed and the President signed numerous 
     laws to assist victims of terrorism, protect our Nation, 
     combat terrorism at home and abroad, and support, in the 
     field and upon return, the members of the Armed Forces who 
     courageously defend the United States;
       Whereas the terrorist attacks that have occurred around the 
     world since September 11, 2001, remind us all of the hateful 
     inhumanity of terrorism and the ongoing threat it poses to 
     freedom, justice, and the rule of law;
       Whereas the United States has worked cooperatively with the 
     nations of the free world to capture and punish terrorists 
     and remains committed to building strong and effective 
     counterterrorism alliances;
       Whereas immediately following September 11, 2001, the 
     United States Armed Forces moved swiftly against al-Qaeda and 
     the Taliban, which the President and Congress had identified 
     as enemies of the United States;
       Whereas in doing so, brave servicemen and women left loved 
     ones in order to defend the Nation; and
       Whereas 7 years later, many servicemen and women remain 
     abroad, defending the Nation from further terrorist attacks 
     and continuing to battle al-Qaeda and the Taliban: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes September 11 as a day of solemn 
     commemoration;
       (2) extends its deepest condolences again to the friends, 
     families, and loved ones of the innocent victims of the 
     September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks;
       (3) honors the heroic service, actions, and sacrifices of 
     first responders, law enforcement personnel, State and local 
     officials, volunteers, and others who aided the innocent 
     victims and, in so doing, bravely risked and often sacrificed 
     their own lives;
       (4) expresses gratitude to the foreign leaders and citizens 
     of all nations who have assisted and continue to stand in 
     solidarity with the United States against terrorism in the 
     aftermath of the attacks;
       (5) asserts in the strongest possible terms that the war on 
     terrorists and terrorism is not a war on any nation, any 
     people, or any faith;
       (6) recognizes the heroic service, actions, and sacrifices 
     of United States personnel, including members of the United 
     States Armed Forces, the United States intelligence agencies, 
     the United States diplomatic service, and their families, who 
     have sacrificed much, including their lives and health, in 
     defense of their country against terrorists and their 
     supporters;
       (7) vows that it will continue to take whatever actions are 
     appropriate to identify, intercept, and defeat terrorists, 
     including providing the United States Armed Forces, the 
     United States intelligence agencies, and the United States 
     diplomatic service with the resources and support to 
     effectively and safely accomplish this mission; and
       (8) reaffirms that the American people will never forget 
     the sacrifices made on and since September 11, 2001, and will 
     defeat those who attacked our Nation through our shared 
     determination, spirit, and embrace of democratic values.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-
Lehtinen) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Maryland.
  Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the 20 minutes 
accorded to me be managed by Mr. Ackerman of New York.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Maryland?
  There was no objection.


                             General Leave

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I am happy to yield to the majority 
leader, Mr. Hoyer, 1 minute.
  Mr. HOYER. I thank the gentleman from New York, and I thank Ms. Ros-
Lehtinen, for bringing this to the floor.
  Madam Speaker, I rise to speak on this resolution not as a Democrat 
but as an American.
  September 11 is seared into my memory just as December 7 was for an 
earlier generation. Indeed, I know it is seared in the memory of every 
American.
  It was a day of horror and of heroism, and each year it will be a day 
for us to renew our devotion to the ideals that make our Nation what it 
is, ideals of liberty, tolerance, equality, and the rule of law.
  On this seventh anniversary, this resolution introduced by myself and 
the Republican leader, Mr. Boehner, recognizes September 11 as a day of 
remembrance and resolve. We mourn nearly 3,000 men, women, and children 
murdered. We pledge to keep their names alive and their memories fresh, 
and we pledge ourselves, once again, to those who loved and lost them.
  And we recall the heroism of this day, the light of courage that 
shines brightest in the darkest hours. We remember the service and 
sacrifice of our first responders, firemen, policemen, medical 
personnel, average citizens; 343 firefighters, 37 Port Authority 
officers, 23 police officers. They served us unto death and they died 
in service.
  We remember the heroic passengers of United Flight 93, ordinary 
Americans who found in themselves unthinkable reserves of heroism and 
saved the building in which we stand at the cost of their lives.
  The Capitol's dome rises on this hill as a symbol of freedom and 
liberty and democracy. Surely that was the target of those terrorists, 
and they would have succeeded save for the extraordinary courage of the 
passengers of that flight.
  We send our thoughts far away as well from this Chamber where our 
servicemen and women are serving and fighting in harm's way as we 
speak.
  Inspired by each and every one of those sacrifices, let us renew our 
resolve. We commit ourselves to defending our people against any and 
all future threats. We remain steadfast in our commitment to disrupt, 
dismantle, defeat, and destroy terrorist networks that endanger all 
that we hold dear. We will devote to that cause all of our military 
might, all of our diplomatic skill, and all our moral force.
  Americans have worked tirelessly to make our Nation safer. This 
Congress has passed, and the President signed, numerous laws to assist 
victims, combat terrorism, protect our homeland, and to support the 
members of our Armed Forces who defend our interests at home and around 
the world.
  Most importantly of all, we adopted last year all of the 
recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. And now we must implement them.
  We must keep working to keep America secure. We can always do more. 
And, as the chairman of the 9/11 Commission pointed out, we are not yet 
strong enough. Today is a reminder that in this uncertain century, even 
the most powerful Nation on Earth is vulnerable.
  So let us add humility and watchfulness to our mourning because we 
are defending something greater and more powerful than our own lives. 
We are defending the same ideals to which our founders pledged more 
than two centuries ago, their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred 
honor.
  We are defending the American ideals that stretch through our history 
and animate our spirit even today. And no attack, no attack, can break 
them.
  Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join with Mr. Boehner 
and me in unanimously supporting this resolution of remembrance and 
resolve.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  It has been 7 years since the unimaginable happened, unimaginable, 
but nevertheless all too real.
  It is difficult to believe that the months and the years have passed 
so quickly for some, so slowly for others. But although the passage of 
time cannot erase the scars, it often shows mercy by soothing the raw 
wounds of experience and transforming them into memory. And that is our 
purpose here today, Madam Speaker, to remember, to remember the victims 
and to remind ourselves of the hatred that fuels the enemies of freedom 
and their desire to destroy us, to destroy our homeland, to destroy 
everything that we represent.
  Every American and millions around the globe remember that day, 
remember where they were and what they were doing when they heard the 
news and turned on their televisions. They remember the numbing shock 
and the

[[Page 18475]]

horror of that day. All wanted to do something to help, and yet there 
seemed at that time to be so little that could be done to relieve the 
suffering and the fear.
  Thank God that there were men and women in a position to help and who 
did so at great risk and at great cost to themselves. We honor those 
individuals for their bravery, none of whom sought fame, many of whom 
lost their lives so that others might live.
  But while it is appropriate that we remember the events of that day, 
that we mourn those whom we lost and celebrate the many heroes, our 
attention should not be fixed entirely on the past for the attack on us 
was not a single blow but the declaration of a war.
  We suddenly learned that this war had already been fought against us 
for many years and in many places, but we had not recognized it for 
what it was. We had the taking of our embassy and Americans hostages in 
Iran in 1979, the bombing of our embassy compound and the Marine 
attacks in Beirut in the early 1980s, the first World Trade Center 
bombing by Islamic terrorists in 1993, and the attack on the Khobar 
Towers in Saudi Arabia, the USS Cole, and our embassies in Kenya and 
Tanzania, also in the 1990s.
  The goal of our self-proclaimed enemies is not to defeat us but to 
destroy us. For they must destroy us if they are to destroy the 
civilization we represent which they have defined as their ultimate 
aim. Their fantasies cannot be made true as long as we exist to stop 
them.
  This is a new type of war, Madam Speaker, which presents unfamiliar 
challenges, and it will test us in ways for which the methods of the 
past have only a limited use.
  Securing victory will task our mental and material resources and will 
require innovative approaches and unconventional solutions. But our 
courage, our steadfastness, our determination will be as greatly 
challenged.
  In the 7 years since we were attacked, we have come to know our 
enemies, we have come to know their plans and their methods of 
operation.

                              {time}  1345

  As we see them more clearly, we are increasingly able to uncover 
their networks and locate their hiding places. But we should not expect 
an easy success. Our enemies have many allies and have sunk deep roots 
that will not easily be torn out.
  Even as I speak, our warriors are fighting for us and for our country 
far away from their homes. I am proud that my stepson and my daughter-
in-law are two of those warriors who served in Iraq and Lindsey in 
Afghanistan as well.
  We pray for the success of all of our personnel in harm's way, 
knowing that victory will not be achieved in one decisive battle but in 
many small ones and fought in many ways and in many places around the 
globe.
  Let us remember this as we prepare our defenses and make our plans to 
seek out and destroy those who would destroy us.
  We must not deceive ourselves with the hope that this threat will 
just go away, that our enemies will tire of the battle, that they will 
experience a change of heart, and that they will renounce the evil that 
they have committed, and instead, we know that they will eagerly plan 
to do so again.
  We must remember that we cannot hide, that we must not fall prey to 
the easy belief that there are easy solutions because, in fact, there 
are none.
  But there is no room for despair, Madam Speaker. For more than two 
centuries, our country has risen to meet the challenges that at the 
time seemed impossible, when the odds against us seemed to be too 
great, and the path to victory seemed difficult to see. But we have 
always prevailed.
  So on this day of remembrance, Madam Speaker, let us reflect upon all 
those whom we have lost, on all those who guard us still today, and on 
the task remaining for all of us, and pledge to do our duty as have all 
the generations that have preceded us.
  God bless the United States of America, now and always.
  With that, Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of our time.
  Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this 
resolution and yield myself as much time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, this resolution pays homage to the lives lost on the 
11th of September in 2001 and recognizes this anniversary as a time of 
solemn commemoration. It extends deepest condolences to the friends, 
families and loved ones of the innocent victims of the terrorist 
attacks; it expresses gratitude to the leaders and citizens of other 
countries who assisted, supported, and stood by the United States in 
the aftermath of the attacks; and it honors the Nation's first 
responders, Armed Forces and others whose valiant efforts are a credit 
to their country and who continue to keep us safe.
  Each of us remembers exactly where we were on 9/11 when we heard the 
tragic news. We remember the days of unity that followed when we acted 
together to protect this country from those determined to harm us and 
undermine our way of life.
  Last year, we took a major step in furtherance of that goal by 
enacting, with bipartisan support, legislation to implement the 
recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, in both its domestic and 
foreign policy dimensions. By doing so, we addressed major security 
vulnerabilities and improved our homeland security across the board. I 
call on the President to continue his work to fully implement that act.
  Al Qaeda remains a serious threat to the United States. In 
particular, the al Qaeda leadership that was responsible for ordering 
the attacks on September 11 has been reconstituted in the tribal areas 
of Pakistan. From that safe haven, they continue to pose danger to the 
world and increasingly threaten American troops in Afghanistan.
  And this is more than just a military campaign. In the battle against 
extremists, ideas matter as much as ammunition, and this Nation must 
employ its soft power--its moral, economic, financial, diplomatic and 
cultural resources--to the very fullest.
  The global realities of the 21st century require us to use the full 
range of nonmilitary tools as a fundamental pillar of our national 
security. We in Congress must support full funding for our 
international affairs programs. They bolster our national security by 
allowing us to work with foreign partners to track down terrorists 
overseas, to secure dangerous weapons wherever they are found, and to 
help stabilize fragile states.
  Madam Speaker, this country is in the midst of a competitive election 
campaign. The stakes could not be higher. But today we set aside all of 
that to remember what unites us is greater than that which divides us. 
We all love our country and seek to keep it safe in these perilous 
times.
  Madam Speaker, none of us will forget what happened 7 years ago 
today. We will always remember the victims of 9/11 and the loved ones 
who survived them. We still have unfinished work. Congress still needs 
to act, and hopefully soon, to provide the care to the people who 
rushed to Ground Zero to help others, as well as the thousands who 
worked on the ``pile'' in the aftermath to rebuild the site.
  We owe those heroes of 9/11 the care and compensation they deserve. 
We will always honor the first responders who lost their lives that 
day--and those in uniform who risk their lives today and every day to 
defend America.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to 
the gentleman from Virginia, the ranking member on the Committee on 
Oversight and Government Reform, Mr. Davis, who lost many friends and 
constituents at the Pentagon on that fateful day 7 years ago.
  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. I thank my friend for yielding.
  The passage of time should bring perspective, a clarity of thought 
and vision only possible from a distance. Seven years after this Nation 
was savagely attacked by terrorists, we have to ask: What should we 
discern today looking back at those events, and what lessons are the 
silenced voices of the dead still urging us to heed?

[[Page 18476]]

  But grief numbs the painful past, and complacency can obscure our 
view of future perils. We pause to mourn, to remember, to pay homage to 
those lost, not out of ritual obligation, but in solemn self-interest. 
We invoke the cherished memories of the victims of September 11, 2001, 
to rekindle the timeless flame of vigilance in the living. If we forget 
those lost, more will perish.
  Today, the Pentagon memorial to 9/11's heroes is being dedicated. A 
permanent shrine to the 184 people who gave their lives there 7 years 
ago, it stands as a serene reminder of their sacrifice. It should 
inspire us, in their memory, to honor all those who fight to defend 
America and advance freedom every day.
  Our remembrance of the past should also light the path through 
present challenges. Seven years ago, the price of a barrel of oil was 
$20. Today, it's over $100. Dependence on foreign energy sources adds 
to the vulnerabilities exploited seven Septembers ago and constrains 
our options in trying to make America and the world more secure. 
Honoring the sacrifices of 9/11 today calls us all to put aside 
personal convenience and political bias in the struggle against global 
carbon addiction.
  Our attention span can be short. In the age of the 24/7 cable news 
cycle, 7 years is an eternity. But to those who attacked us, it's just 
seven grains of sand in the arid desert of their malevolent thousand-
year campaign of horror. Each September 11 should remind us of the 
brevity of our time here, the preciousness of each life, and the 
urgency of the challenges we still face.
  A great American author said, ``There is a sacredness in tears. They 
are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently 
than 10,000 tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief and 
unspeakable love.'' Today's tears convey messages of grief and love to 
those lost 7 years ago in New York City, Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and 
at the Pentagon.
  I urge passage of this resolution.
  Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to recognize now for 3 
minutes the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western 
Hemisphere, the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel).
  Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this 
resolution, and I thank my friend from New York (Mr. Ackerman) for 
yielding to me.
  I speak obviously as an American, but I also speak as a New Yorker. 
And, Madam Speaker, there isn't a New Yorker alive, as there isn't an 
American alive, whose life was not changed as a result of what happened 
7 years ago today on September 11, 2001. I lost many constituents in 
the attack on the World Trade Center, lost many friends, and even 
today, every week when I fly back into New York and I look at the 
landscape of New York City, I always imagine where the Twin Towers 
would be and know that the landscape has changed forever.
  But even more importantly than the landscape, it's what was done to 
all of us as Americans on that day. I think we lost our innocence that 
day. I think the feeling that somehow or other we could never be 
attacked because we had the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans protecting 
us went out the window, and we realized that we were as vulnerable as 
anyone else.
  The evil people who forced the planes to fly into the World Trade 
Center have many friends who are still around and would still do us 
harm, and we as a Nation have to be resolved, to be prepared to fight 
against terrorism, yes, conduct the war on terror. I know some don't 
like that phrase, but there is a war on terror, and we have to make 
sure that we do everything possible to win that war on terror.
  As was mentioned before, we all remember where we were that day when 
we first heard the news. We all remember how we felt, and I remember a 
day or two after the carnage going down there, looking around, and 
standing in disbelief and saying I can't believe that this is New York, 
I can't believe that what I'm seeing isn't just a dream, I can't 
believe that I'm not going to pinch myself and wake up.
  Let me say that we still have a fight on our hands. It's also a fight 
to honor our first responders, to say thank you continuously to those 
who protect us, and to remind ourselves that there are literally 
thousands upon thousands of New Yorkers and people in other States who 
came down in the aftermath of the World Trade Center catastrophe and 
helped people. And those people, as a result, have difficulty and 
health problems today, and we as a Nation must continue to make sure 
that these people are protected and taken care of and not turn the 
other way and look the other way.
  Right now, the New York delegation is fighting to make sure that the 
first responders and others who helped people and who became sick as a 
result are not turned way and that we are taking care of them, and let 
us resolve to continue to do that and more in the aftermath of 
September 11.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and I 
think that the Congress unanimously should speak with one voice and 
say, Never Again.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to 
the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), the ranking member of the 
Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health of our Foreign Affairs 
Committee, who knows the personal suffering of 9/11 as he represents 
family members of the victims and lost over 50 fellow citizens from his 
congressional district when the World Trade Center towers were hit.

                              {time}  1400

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. I thank my good friend, the distinguished 
ranking member, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, for yielding. And Madam Speaker, I 
rise in strong support of the resolution.
  Despite the passage of 7 years, Madam Speaker, the scars from the 
attack on our country on September 11, 2001 remain. They remain from 
the loss of the lives of nearly 3,000 innocent men, women and children, 
including over 50 men and women from my own district, the 4th District 
of New Jersey.
  Over the course of these several years--as a matter of fact, almost 
right away--I got to know several of the widows and the loved ones and 
was so moved and so impressed by their love for the victims. Their loss 
was--is--excruciatingly painful. But the families also had a great 
sense that we needed to do more to ensure that this never happens 
again. And whether it be the ``Jersey Girls'' who walked the halls of 
this Congress, strongly advocating for the establishment of the 9/11 
Commission, or the others--I even actually hired one of the individuals 
who lost a loved one in my office to do case work. And her sensitivity 
and her sense of concern for those who suffered irreparable loss that 
day has been inspiring to me as it has been to members of our 
delegation in New Jersey and so many others as well.
  The scars remain, obviously, Madam Speaker, in the painful void in 
the lives of the families who sought in vain to make some sense of 
their horrific and tragic loss. And the scars remain embedded in the 
fabric of our society, which has had to learn to cope with the reality 
of a world where indiscriminate large-scale attacks on human life are a 
constant threat.
  Madam Speaker, while recognizing the extraordinary efforts and 
courage of America's first responders--the firefighters, police 
officers, emergency response personnel, the heroes--it was also 
apparent from the terrorist attacks that our Nation had much to learn. 
We had to craft policies to better protect our people.
  I was one of those, among so many others, who advocated early and 
consistently for a commission to chronicle the facts, missteps and 
opportunities lost leading up to the tragedy and to develop a well-
informed, thoughtful strategy to reduce the future risk of an attack. 
The 9/11 Commission--that was chaired so ably by Governor Tom Kean, the 
former Governor of New Jersey, and former chairman of the Foreign 
Affairs Committee, Lee Hamilton--issued an historic, incisive report, a 
comprehensive report which, together with subsequent legislation, was 
not only thoroughly examined by House and

[[Page 18477]]

Senate committees, but virtually all of the recommendations were 
enacted into law. The whole thrust, post 9/11, Madam Speaker, is to 
mitigate and, God willing, prevent such a tragedy from ever occurring 
again.
  Madam Speaker, we must be diligent in searching for and implementing 
new means for responding to developing threats. Our enemies are 
constantly searching for our vulnerabilities, and our ability to remain 
ahead of them is critical to our very survival.
  I want to thank Mr. Hoyer for introducing this piece of legislation 
which gives us the opportunity to have an official solemn expression. 
It extends our deepest condolences to all who suffered the loss of a 
loved one as a result of the attacks here in Washington and in New York 
and in Pennsylvania. To honor those who courageously risked and even 
sacrificed their lives, some firefighters bravely went up those stairs 
at the World Trade Center knowing that it was fraught with unbelievable 
danger to their own lives. The legislation recognizes the service and 
sacrifice of our military personnel and their families who continue to 
strive to protect our country both here and abroad, and to continue to 
take all appropriate actions, and to do so, I would submit, in a 
bipartisan way to defend and protect our Nation.
  This is a very good resolution and a very solemn day for America.
  Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, it is now my pleasure to yield 3 minutes 
to the chairman of the Committee on Armed Services, the distinguished 
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton).
  Mr. SKELTON. I thank the gentleman.
  I thank Majority Leader Hoyer and Minority Leader Boehner for 
crafting this elegant, bipartisan resolution today, solemnly marking 
the tremendous tragedy of 9/11 and honoring the thousands of Americans 
who have worked since to recover and stop a similar event from 
happening again.
  And although the aftermath of the
9/11 attacks will resonate for generations, the terrorists' cold-
blooded violence will never break the American spirit, alter our 
values, or shake our resolve.
  The job of protecting the American people is a perpetual 
responsibility. We are blessed with dedicated men and women in uniform 
and civilian roles who serve our Nation with honor here at home as well 
as abroad.
  As we remember the fallen today, all of us must renew our commitment 
to do all that is necessary to protect our families, our communities, 
and our Nation.
  I cannot say enough in recognition of the incredible sacrifices being 
made by military families around the world. Time and again, we grow 
concerned that the burden for them will be too great, and yet they've 
continued to amaze us with their dedication to country and devotion to 
service, not to mention their unsurpassed skill.
  I still worry that we have asked too much of these few Americans and 
too little of the rest of us. But I cannot be prouder of those in 
uniform and their families.
  Seven years ago, al Qaeda terrorists intent on destroying symbols of 
American power ruthlessly killed thousands of innocent people. The 
genesis of the
9/11 attacks emerged from al Qaeda bases in Afghanistan. I remain 
deeply concerned that the United States has not given the war in 
Afghanistan the priority it deserves. That concern was only reinforced 
yesterday by the testimony of the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman 
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff before the House Armed Services Committee. 
Admiral Mullen testified that the United States is not yet winning in 
Afghanistan. This is unacceptable, particularly when military and 
intelligence officials predict that this volatile region is the most 
likely source of a future attack against our country.
  On this day of memory for loss and sacrifice, my resolve to do my 
part in performing Congress' unique and necessary role in preventing a 
recurrence of such attack only grows stronger.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman 
from Connecticut (Mr. Shays), the ranking member of the Oversight 
Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, as well as a 
member of the Intelligence Subcommittee on the Homeland Security 
Committee. He also has experienced the dramatic impact of the 9/11 
attacks as he lost so many constituents and continues to this day to 
comfort and assist the over 80 families impacted by that attack.
  Mr. SHAYS. Madam Speaker, 9/11 was a wake-up call from hell. We all 
know how we reacted to it, but the weeks that followed for those of us 
in the greater New York area had special meaning. It was a very 
poignant time.
  I think of the family of Joe Coppo, whose son Joseph, at the time a 
college student, said goodbye to him at a service in New Canaan. He 
talked about his dad and said, ``Dad, you wanted me to become an adult. 
You taught me so many things.'' This is a young man who is now a marine 
and served in Iraq. He told us of all the things that his dad wanted 
him to learn. And then he said, ``Dad, I have learned from you. Don't 
worry, I'm an adult now.'' And then looking at his mom he said, ``I'll 
be there to take care of mom.''
  The next week in the same church, Frank Fetchet, in talking about his 
son Brad and all the things he wanted him to learn, said, ``Son, I 
learned far more from you than I learned from me.''
  I think of a service in Easton, at a small New England church that 
was built hundreds of years ago and was so small that most people 
couldn't fit in. It was a beautiful sunny day, and most of the 
congregation was outside. They were talking about a young father, a 
young mother, and a precious 3-year-old child who were on the plane 
that brought down the second Twin Towers.
  They talk about Peter Hanson, his wife Sue Kim, and their daughter 
Christine. They talked about the father and the mother, and then they 
had the nursery school teachers where their 3-year-old child attended 
school, speak about precious Christine. They ended by asking us to hold 
hands and sing Christine's favorite song, ``The Barney Song.''
  When I left, Peter's parents wanted to see me and said, ``This can't 
be about anger and hate.'' They were sweetly telling me about what it 
couldn't be, and I was thinking I needed to comfort them.
  On this day, September 11th, I think of a family, Neal and Jean 
Coleman, and with their only remaining son, who the next day were 
saying goodbye to their two sons who perished, Scott and Keith. It was 
a candlelight vigil, and they were talking about their beautiful young 
sons who had so much to live for. When the service was over, the 
parents insisted on seeing me. They said to me the same thing, the 
exact same thing, the Hansons had said ``This can't be about anger and 
hate.''
  I think about Beverly Eckert, who met her husband years ago in junior 
high school, Sean Rooney. She called him on the phone because she 
thought he might be in one of the Twin Towers, and he was. He told her, 
``Honey, I can't get out of the building.'' And she said, ``Go 
upstairs. Go to the top and you get to the observation floor and be 
rescued.'' So she spoke to him as he went to the top floor but the door 
was locked. She spoke to her husband for more than a half an hour 
knowing it was the last time they would ever speak, and said goodbye to 
him as the building collapsed.
  Well, we know it can't be about anger and hate, but it is a wake-up 
call. There is more than one inconvenient truth that confronts us. The 
one the
9/11 Commission talks about, Islamic terrorists, who would do us harm 
at home and abroad.
  We are confronting Islamic terrorists in Iraq and in Afghanistan, in 
Europe, in Asia, in North and South America. We are confronting them 
not out of anger and hate, but with the steely resolve that Americans 
are known for.
  God bless the 9/11 families. God bless those who tried to save them. 
God bless all who live in this great country. We will prevail!
  Mr. ACKERMAN. I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to a member of the 
Committee on Financial Services, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. 
Carson).
  Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I come to the floor today with

[[Page 18478]]

a heavy heart as we remember and pay our respects to those brave 
Americans we lost in the September 11 terrorist attacks.
  But Madam Speaker, I also come to the floor today with a feeling of 
resilience and determination, a resilience and determination that says 
we must remain vigilant in dismantling those terrorist networks intent 
on doing us harm; a resilience and determination that mandates that we 
give our intelligence agencies the resources they need to neutralize 
these rogue organizations that target our citizens and threaten the 
security of our homeland.
  Having served as a police officer and a supervising watch officer 
with the Intelligence Fusion Center at the Indiana Department of 
Homeland Security, I know firsthand about the security threats facing 
our Nation. And in order to successfully combat these threats, it is 
going to take a sustained and concerted effort from all of us. 
Therefore, it is my hope that we use this anniversary, Madam Speaker, 
as an opportunity to remember our fallen brethren, but also to reaffirm 
our commitment to protecting our citizens and our homeland.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman 
from New Jersey (Mr. Frelinghuysen), ranking member of the 
Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related 
Agencies, because over 700 people from New Jersey lost their lives on 
this day 7 years ago.
  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Madam Speaker, even after the remarkably emotional 
ceremonies on the House steps and at the Pentagon this morning, it is 
still hard to believe that 7 years have passed since tragedy struck in 
lower Manhattan and in the fields of Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon. 
It seems like only yesterday. In that time, we have mourned the loss of 
so many innocent people, learned many lessons, and have become stronger 
as a Nation.
  The events of that day demonstrated the truest form of evil our 
Nation has encountered, but in the face of that evil, good arose. 
Firefighters, police and EMS personnel rushed to the scene in lower 
Manhattan and at the other sites. They saw a danger in front of them, 
but were determined to help those inside the Towers. Strangers helped 
each other out of the buildings knowing the risks they faced; neighbors 
and friends consoled one another; and we saw Americans from all walks 
of life stand united side by side, waiving the stars and stripes and 
lighting candles to honor those loved ones missing or lost.
  Others gave in other ways, giving blood, donating to charity, or 
volunteering across our country. The best America has to offer was 
brought out by those terrible events of that fateful day. And we made a 
promise that morning that we would never forget, and we won't.
  We are here this afternoon honoring those lost and remembering the 
sacrifices of those who serve us. We have not forgotten, and we never 
will. Seven years later, we remember and we gather. We remember those 
lost on September 11, 2001; 3,000 Americans, 700 from my home State, 
and people from more than 80 other countries around the world.

                              {time}  1415

  That morning too many of our friends and neighbors left for work, 
never to return home again. There is no doubt about it: The character 
and resolve of America is still strong. Let us take this time to honor 
and remember those whom we lost that day.
  God bless you, those we lost, and God bless the United States of 
America.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to extend 
debate time by an additional 20 minutes, equally divided.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, it is now my pleasure to recognize for 2 
minutes a very distinguished Member from Long Island, a member of the 
Committee on Appropriations (Mr. Israel).
  Mr. ISRAEL. I thank my good friend and colleague and neighbor, Mr. 
Ackerman.
  Madam Speaker, 7 years ago, they say, changed everything. There were 
more funerals than we thought were imaginable, more tears, more 
despair, more a sense of loss. But there were also more flags in this 
country than ever, more pride and more unity.
  I remember how the people of my congressional district responded. I 
remember the vigil at Heckscher Park in Huntington, the elementary 
students at the Idle Hour School in Oakdale planting a garden, the 
thousands of people who converged on Cow Harbor Park in Northport, the 
candlelight vigils in Commack including one that will be held this 
evening. I remember attending a recovery workers conference several 
months after the attacks on 9/11 and speaking to a gentleman who in 
very painful breaths and labored breathing said to me, ``Congressman, 
I'm not sure I am going to survive what I did. Will you take care of my 
family?'' I remember the Viggianos and the Downeys and the Murphys and 
over a hundred other families who lost somebody on that day.
  It is important to remember these things, but it's also important to 
act. They need not only our commemoration, they need our health care. 
They need our continued moral support. They need our continued support 
in every sense of the word.
  We remember these things, and we also remember those who did us great 
harm that day. Those who continue to live in caves in Pakistan and 
Afghanistan. We will not forget them either, and we support the courage 
and the bravery of those in the military who continue to pursue them.
  Madam Speaker, I would make one other point, and that is this: 
Earlier today we assembled as Republicans and Democrats on the steps of 
the Capitol and sang ``God Bless America.'' We did the same thing on 9/
11 hours after the attack. I hope that we will remember the unity that 
we displayed on that dreadful day and the unity that we displayed 
several hours ago and continue to work together to move our country 
forward, not just in the memory of those who perished and those who 
suffered on 9/11, but to make this country a better place for them.
  God bless them. God bless America.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, at this time I would like to yield 2 
minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Fossella), a member of the 
Committee on Energy and Commerce.
  Mr. FOSSELLA. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.
  Madam Speaker, it's been suggested that September 11 was a tragic 
day. Indeed it was. But the reality is there were thousands of 
individual tragedies that occurred.
  Time has given us the perspective to look back and understand what 
really happened. It has given us the ability to look back and see how 
individual families have dealt with their loss. Staten Island and 
Brooklyn alone lost more than 300 people. If you go drive around the 
streets of Staten Island today, you will see street names with the 
names of those lost on September 11 as a constant reminder of the 
extent of the carnage and the damage.
  I have been to memorial runs. I've seen scholarships offered in the 
names of the deceased. I've seen families try to tell their young 
children, who are probably too young at the time to understand, what it 
meant when Daddy wasn't coming home anymore, when Mom wasn't coming 
home. These children are at an age now that they can begin to 
appreciate that they'll never have a dad again. There were hundreds of 
them on Staten Island alone and thousands across the country of young 
children who lost their fathers and lost their mothers.
  The role we have here is very simple, I think. That is to protect the 
American people and to ensure an attack like that never happens again. 
The most powerful way we can memorialize September 11, and as our own 
private thoughts and prayers and to offer to extend a helping hand to 
those in need, but as Members of Congress I think we have a solemn 
responsibility and duty to stand up against the evil, against our true 
enemies who want not to just

[[Page 18479]]

destroy this country but our way of life, and forever may we remember 
those who paid so dearly with their lives on September 11, 2001.
  Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I am very pleased now to yield 2 minutes 
to the distinguished chairwoman of the Subcommittee on State and 
Foreign Operations, the distinguished Nita Lowey.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, today is a solemn day for New Yorkers and 
all Americans as we remember the men, women, children who lost their 
lives 7 years ago on September 11, 2001. For many of us the wounds of 
that terrible day are still raw, as are the reminders that are now 
woven into our daily lives. The pain associated with the loss of loved 
ones, the still incomplete skyline of Manhattan, the terror alerts, the 
checkpoints, the baggage searches and the war.
  The attacks of September 11 were intended to strike at the heart of 
our country, our values, and our way of life. In spite of this 
incredible act of hatred and violence, however, Americans remain united 
not only in our resolve to defeat those who want to do us harm but in 
our unwavering support for our Armed Forces, first responders, and the 
intelligence community who have answered the call to protect us at home 
and abroad. It is in this spirit that we remain committed to honoring 
the memories of all who lost their lives on that horrible day and 
commending those who continue to risk their lives since then to bolster 
our homeland security, protect our ideals and values, keep our 
communities safe, and ensure that America never again experiences such 
an evil act of violence on our soil.
  Thank you, Mr. Ackerman, for sponsoring this resolution, and God 
bless America.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I would like to yield 2 minutes to 
the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Barrett), an esteemed member of 
our Committee on Foreign Affairs.
  Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, today we remember all 
those lost on September 11, 2001, a day that changed America forever. 
No American will ever forget where they were on that fateful morning as 
the images began to flash across the television screens. September 11, 
2001 shook us to our core. And while our hearts broke, our spirits did 
not. In fact, Madam Speaker, they grew stronger. My thoughts and 
prayers are with the families and friends of those innocent individuals 
who died on that fateful morning. Seven years later lessons have been 
learned. Our security, intelligence capabilities, and our 
intergovernmental communications have all improved, but we must always 
remain vigilant.
  On this day also, Madam Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to our 
Armed Forces who have answered the call of service after 9/11. Their 
dedication and sacrifice cannot be overlooked. Every day we live in 
peace and freedom we owe to them. The passage of time will heal the 
scars from September 11, but we will never forget.
  Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the 
member of the Committee on Appropriations, the distinguished 
gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur).
  Ms. KAPTUR. I thank the distinguished chairman for yielding and 
congratulate Congressman Ackerman on this resolution.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in support today on the anniversary of 9/11, 
2001, and to pay tribute to the over 3,000 Americans who lost their 
lives in New York, at the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania.
  Let me remember that day through the life of one man, a retired air 
traffic controller, Mr. John Werth, a constituent who was on duty that 
day at the Major Air Control Center located in Oberlin, Ohio, in our 
Ninth Congressional District of Ohio. His professionalism and attention 
to duty that terrible day saved hundreds, literally thousands of lives, 
though in the end he was not able to prevent the crash of United flight 
93, which went down over Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and in which 40 of 
the lives lost that day remain forever in our memory.
  In today's issue of USA Today, which I shall include in the Record, 
Mr. Werth's photo and story appear on the front page. It is appropriate 
that after all these years some of the heroic stories of that day 
become more fully available to the public. Mr. Werth's clearheaded 
efforts, under great pressure and amid great national confusion, 
diverted aircraft away from the highjacked plane, saving lives. As 
professional air traffic controllers in the employ of the Government of 
the United States, he and his colleagues worked hand in hand with our 
military to do the best they could under the most trying of 
circumstances. His three decades of experience served America well and 
cannot be overstated. He, and I know his colleagues across our Nation, 
acted with courage and dispatch. And we all respect them deeply. They 
carry with them in their memories of that day the transmissions from 
those cockpits. There is no question he and his colleagues literally 
saved thousands of lives by safely landing thousands of flights across 
this country. They avoided midair collisions and, for their grace under 
pressure, deserve every recognition and medal of honor the American 
people can bestow. They hold our admiration, they hold our gratitude, 
and they hold our respect for their patriotism and attention to duty. 
We are forever indebted to them.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
  Mr. ACKERMAN. I yield the gentlewoman an additional 15 seconds.
  Ms. KAPTUR. I thank the gentleman very much.
  On behalf of the American people and certainly the citizens of Ohio 
who remain extremely proud of John Werth and his colleagues and his air 
controller associates across our country, please let the record show we 
extend our abiding thanks on this historic day. We extend our deep 
remembrances to the families and communities still affected. And we ask 
God to bless America and help us lead the world to a more peaceful day.

                    [From USA Today, Sept. 11, 2008]

                7 Years Later, the Terror Is Still Vivid

                            (By Alan Levin)

       Oberlin, Ohio--He spent most of his life controlling 
     airplanes. But on this day seven years ago, United Flight 93 
     was beyond control.
       Cleveland Center air-traffic controller John Werth had 
     never heard anything like it--the sounds of an animalistic 
     struggle crackling over his radio. He heard screaming, 
     hollering and two guttural groans coming from the cockpit.
       The horror of one of the four 9/11 suicide hijackings was 
     playing out, Werth tells USA Today in his first public 
     recounting of the day that forever changed America.
       ``I lost 40 people that day,'' Werth says of the desperate 
     efforts he and his colleagues made to communicate with Flight 
     93 and keep other planes away from it until the jet crashed 
     in a rural Pennsylvania field.
       Today, the story of that flight is well known--in books, 
     movies and tales of heroism about the passengers who tried to 
     retake the jet from four al-Qaeda terrorists, and probably 
     prevented an attack on the White House or U.S. Capitol. For 
     Werth, it's been a vivid--if largely private--reality. He was 
     there. He heard it all.
       Werth's account provides new details about what happened as 
     the hijacking unfolded and how the chaos in the skies caused 
     alarm and confusion for controllers and national security 
     forces.
       For seven years, Werth, 61, hasn't told his story publicly, 
     initially because he was not allowed to because of a 
     government subpoena related to the prosecution of al-Qaeda 
     operative Zacarias Moussaoui, and later because Werth didn't 
     want the attention. Now, Werth's ready to discuss it and set 
     the record straight.
       It was Werth who heard the transmission from Flight 93 that 
     suggested a bomb was aboard. The transmission, in a thick 
     accent and broken English, likely was from hijacker pilot 
     Ziad Jarrah, the 9/11 Commission determined later.
       The bomb was apparently a bluff, a threat the hijackers 
     used to try to control the passengers.
       At the time, Werth says, it created a new level of alarm 
     among the controllers clearing other planes out of the 
     wayward path of Flight 93, which had departed from Newark, 
     N.J., that morning and flown into Ohio before making a U-turn 
     toward Washington.
       What if, Werth wondered, the hijackers had a bomb--maybe 
     even a nuclear device? How far would Werth have to keep other 
     jets from a nuclear bomb's shock wave? Twenty miles? Thirty?
       Every time Werth turned other planes away from Flight 93, 
     the hijacked jet seemed to surge toward them, he recalls, 
     raising questions about what the hijackers were trying to do. 
     At the time, he knew that some

[[Page 18480]]

     passenger jets were missing and that one had hit a World 
     Trade Center tower in New York.
       ``I'm saying, `What is he doing?' '' Werth recalls. `` `Is 
     this about a midair collision.' '' an attempt to ram another 
     passenger jet with Flight 93?
       All the while, uncertainty gripped the nation--and 
     Cleveland Center, which oversees a wide swath of the nation's 
     skies between Chicago and New York.


                      ``Something was really off''

       That morning began routinely for Werth as he sat in front 
     of his radar screen and radio, surrounded by maps and 
     computers. Soon, the news began trickling down to him.
       Two jets were ``lost'' over New York. Someone said a small 
     plane (actually a jet, it turned out) had hit the World Trade 
     Center in New York. A supervisor told him to try to contact 
     American Airlines Flight 77, which had gone missing over 
     Kentucky.
       ``That's when I knew something was really off,'' he says.
       He was also told to keep an eye on Delta Air Lines Flight 
     1989, which had taken off from Boston. Amid the confusion, 
     controllers in Boston worried it was connected to the jets 
     missing in New York. Those jets, American Airlines Flight 11 
     and United 175, also had departed from Boston.
       Finally came word that a second plane, a large jet, had hit 
     New York's twin towers.
       The pilots of Flight 93, headed west to San Francisco from 
     Newark, arrived at 9:24 a.m. in Werth's control sector, a 
     roughly 100-by-100-mile patch in the Cleveland area that 
     handles only high-altitude traffic. The Boeing 757 carried 
     seven crewmembers and 37 passengers, including the four 
     hijackers. Within four minutes of arriving in Werth's sector, 
     according to the 9/11 Commission Report and other government 
     documents, the hijackers had launched a violent takeover of 
     the jet.
       During the struggle, one of the pilots tried to make a 
     distress call or inadvertently switched on the radio's 
     microphone, allowing Werth and other planes in the area to 
     overhear what was happening aboard Flight 93.
       Werth says most of the sounds of the struggle were 
     unintelligible. There were screams and groans. Werth recalls 
     turning to another controller. ``I looked at him and said, 
     `Dave, did that sound the same to you as it did to me?' He 
     just kind of looked at me wide-eyed and nodded.''
       He knew another flight was probably under attach, but which 
     one? ``Somebody call Cleveland?'' he radioed. No one replied.
       Thirty-three seconds later came a second broadcast from the 
     cockpit. It also had the sounds of a struggle, but this time 
     Werth made out a few words: ``Get out of here. Get out of 
     here.''
       About that time, Flight 93 descended about 700 feet. By 
     then, Werth was pretty sure the flight had been hijacked. 
     What were the hijackers up to? Why do they want to be over 
     Cleveland? Why are they this far west? I thought at first, 
     well, you've got the Sears Tower (in Chicago) straight 
     west,'' he says.
       There were no procedures or training exercises for such an 
     emergency, Werth says, so he made it up as he went along. He 
     asked other crews whether they had heard the scuffle over the 
     radio. When they replied, he knew they were still OK.
       The hijacked jet became erratic. It sped up and started 
     gaining on another United flight. Werth commanded the second 
     jet to turn right. Seconds later, Fight 93 turned to the 
     right, too.
        Minutes later, as Flight 93 climbed from 35,000 to 41,000 
     feet, Werth told Delta Flight 1989 to turn right to clear it 
     away from the hijacked jet. Then Flight 93 made a 180-degree 
     turn back toward the east, forcing Werth to move the Delta 
     flight back out of the way. ``Delta 89, we're gonna go the 
     other way,'' he radioed.
       As Flight 93 passed over Akron, headed by that time in the 
     direction of Washington, Werth heard a supervisor call out 
     that a jet had just struck the Pentagon.


                          ``It's the Delta!''

       Before United 93 had even checked in with Werth, a 
     supervisor had asked him to watch Delta 1989, a westbound 
     flight from Boston to Los Angeles. It was 60 miles east of 
     his sector, flying behind the United jet.
       Werth has never been sure who called the facility to warn 
     about the flight or why, and other accounts have been murky. 
     The flight was a Boeing 767 like two other hijacked flights 
     out of Boston. It would have been logical to suspect that it, 
     too, might have been a target.
       As Werth struggled to keep other jets away from United 93, 
     he had to turn the Delta flight several times. The pilots 
     responded normally. He couldn't be sure of anything that day, 
     but it seemed a safe bet that the Delta flight hadn't been 
     hijacked.
       However, someone in the military seemed to have mixed up 
     the Delta flight with the hijacked jet. A supervisor rushed 
     up to Werth and said, ``It's the Delta, it's the Delta!'' 
     Werth recalls. She told him that a military liaison on the 
     phone had confirmed that the Delta jet was hijacked.
       Werth told her he was pretty sure United 93 had been 
     hijacked, not the Delta one. A few moments later, she came 
     back.
       ``He's fine--at least for now,'' Werth told her.
       After consulting again on the phone, she returned again. 
     ``They said it's a confirmed hijack and a bomb threat,'' she 
     told him. It was United 93 that had made the bomb threats, 
     Werth thought. That convinced him they had to be confusing 
     the two flights.
       ``Tell them they're full of it!'' Werth says he replied. 
     ``I thought, `God, don't (have military jets that were being 
     scrambled) go after the wrong plane.' ''
       At 9:44 a.m., the Delta pilots requested a change of course 
     from Werth. The same concerns about their safety had been 
     passed on to the company, and dispatchers had ordered it to 
     land as soon as possible in Cleveland.
       As it turned out, the military was in no position to shoot 
     down Delta 1989, but Werth didn't know that. He followed the 
     flight on radar until it landed safely.
       Fight 93 didn't make another radio transmission after 9:39 
     a.m.Werth watched on radar as the jet crashed near 
     Shanksville, Pa., at 10:03.


                         A bond with Flight 93

       Werth retired in 2003 without ever having made an air-
     traffic error during his 32-year tenure, according to the 
     Federal Aviation Administration, a remarkable record in an 
     era when computers automatically track when planes get too 
     close together.
       He says he has focused his life on his wife, Mary Kay, and 
     his passion, golf. He says he has watched with occasional 
     outrage as he has been portrayed in movies and books about 9/
     11 by people who had never spoken to him.
       Today, he will attend a memorial service in Shanksville for 
     the crew and passengers of Flight 93.He's not sentimental or 
     emotional about that day, but he feels a bond with the 
     victims.
       ``It's hard, when you're a controller, to lose an 
     aircraft,'' he says. ``When there is absolutely nothing you 
     can do and you're not in control, it's doubly hard.''

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to 
the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Jordan), a member of the Judiciary 
Committee.
  Mr. JORDAN of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues 
in strong support of this important resolution. Today we pause to 
remember nearly 3,000 who were killed, and thousands more who were 
injured, on that fateful morning 7 years ago. We remember the 
unspeakable evil we saw that morning, the terror that confronted us on 
our own shores. But we also remember the heroism of countless ordinary 
Americans who did extraordinary things that tragic day and in the weeks 
and months that followed.
  Like the firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and other first 
responders who rushed into crumbling burning buildings, risking and 
giving their lives to do their duty and to save others, and, of course, 
the millions of Americans who gathered in church to pray, in 
communities centers and schools to organize relief for victims, and 
lined up around the corners to give blood. When evil confronted America 
that day, we did not flinch, we did not back down, and we did not 
surrender.
  In the 7 years that have passed since that day, our Nation has 
remained on offense against the threat of radical Islamic extremism. It 
is a struggle that will define our generation and shape the next 
American century. We did not choose this battle, but we will meet it, 
as Americans always have, and we must be victorious.
  I would again like to express my gratitude to the United States Armed 
Forces. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines 
have answered the call of their country in her hour of need. They and 
their families have made countless sacrifices. Over 4,500 have given 
what President Lincoln called the fullest measure of devotion to their 
country. As long as this threat exists and Americans troops are 
deployed in harm's way, they must have the full support of this 
Congress. On this day when we look back and remember, let us gain 
strength from the examples of bravery and courage we have seen over the 
last 7 years. We must honor the legacy of the fallen and stand united 
against the continued threats to our country.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in renewing our commitment to these 
principles that have made us the home of the brave and will continue to 
keep us the home of the free.
  Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the 
chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance 
and Memorial Affairs, the distinguished gentleman from New York's 19th 
Congressional District.

[[Page 18481]]



                              {time}  1430

  Mr. HALL of New York. While the terrorists were able to destroy the 
World Trade Towers in New York City, and damage the Pentagon on 
September 11, 2001, they did not take into account the indomitable 
American spirit.
  My most lasting image of that day is not planes flying into buildings 
or towers collapsing. I remember the people--firefighters, police 
officers, EMTs, ordinary men and women--doing everything in their power 
to help. I think of all the people who rushed downtown, without regard 
to their own safety, determined to do what they could do for others. 
They clearly demonstrated to our enemies that our spirit cannot be 
broken and that we are determined to confront any threat to our 
national security.
  The United States will never give in to terrorism and we will never 
shirk from our duty to defend our country and the principles for which 
it stands.
  I urge all Americans to honor those who lost their lives on September 
11, and to commit ourselves to whatever sacrifices it may take to 
prevent such an attack from taking place again.
  Also, I'd like to especially recognize a constituent and friend, 
named Jay Winuk, the founder of MyGoodDeed.org, an organization he 
created to further honor the victims, families, and survivors of 
September 11, by encouraging the government to recognize that day as a 
national day of community service, and to encourage people to perform 
good deeds to mark the date.
  Jay's brother, Glenn Winuk, was a volunteer firefighter and attorney 
working at a Manhattan law firm on 
9/11. He lost his life at the World Trade Center after helping to 
evacuate everyone from his office, and then rushing back into the South 
Tower, looking for others to save. When he was last seen alive, Glenn 
was helping people escape the tower and reach safety.
  Many rescue and recovery workers volunteered their time and efforts 
in the hours and days following the attack. Jay has found a unique and 
touching way of honoring all their efforts and ensuring that the heroes 
of that day are not forgotten. Through the work of citizens like Glenn 
and Jay Winuk, this country remains as great and as powerful as it is, 
and we should all recognize and remember them, and all those who lost 
their lives, or whose lives were forever changed on that day.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I'm pleased to yield 2 minutes to a member of the 
Committee on Homeland Security and the ranking member of its 
Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection, 
the gentleman from California (Mr. Daniel E. Lungren).
  Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of California. I thank the gentlelady for 
yielding.
  Madam Speaker, 7 years ago, September 11, 2001, a day that will live 
in infamy, we suffered as a Nation the greatest attack on our shores 
since a similar day some six decades previous. That dastardly attack 
resulted in a unification of this country such as we had not seen 
before. Similarly, the attack some 7 years ago brought a unity to this 
Nation that we have been lacking for some period of time. In the 
ensuing days and years, we have seen remarkable selfless dedication to 
serve by men and women in uniform in our Armed Forces, and those who 
are serving us, even to this point, as our first responders.
  So we have to ask, much as Lincoln asked at his famous address at 
Gettysburg, recognizing that we cannot consecrate the grounds that were 
attacked more than they have been consecrated by the sacrifices of our 
fellow citizens, what can we do to fulfill our obligation?
  I would just say this. The best way we can maintain our commitment to 
those who sacrificed and those who have suffered, and still suffer, is 
to recognize the continuation of the threat against us, the urgency of 
the matter before us, and the fact that we cannot in any way lag in our 
responsibility to respond to that threat.
  There's a great temptation because we have not been so attacked in 
the last 7 years to believe it just has happened. But we have been able 
to forestall attacks because of tremendous sacrifice by many men and 
women serving on behalf of this Nation, who continue to serve.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I'm pleased to yield the gentleman such additional 
time as he may consume.
  Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of California. It would be the height of 
tragedy, Madam Speaker, if we were to fail to back up the commitment by 
those who have sacrificed thus far by accepting their sacrifice as 
something which is a matter-of-fact circumstance. No. The only way we 
can honor their lives and their sacrifice is by ensuring that we 
maintain vigilance daily.
  We take an oath to uphold the Constitution, but we take an oath 
beyond that. We take an oath to uphold the greatness of our fellow 
citizens. I would hope that we would dedicate ourselves to understand, 
with all the other things we have to do as Members of Congress, that 
our first and foremost responsibility is to create the security within 
which American citizens can exercise their freedoms.
  And so my plea and my prayer today is that we don't accept the 
successes of the last 7 years as inevitable, but we understand that 
they have been hard fought, and that we need to continue that fight.
  I thank you for the time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, we have no further requests for 
time. I yield back the balance of our time.
  Mr. ACKERMAN. I'm pleased to yield 3 minutes to the distinguished 
gentleman from West Virginia, chairman of the Committee on Natural 
Resources, representing the Third Congressional District of that State, 
Chairman Rahall.
  Mr. RAHALL. I thank the distinguished gentleman from New York for 
yielding me this time.
  Madam Speaker, I rise with all Americans, and indeed with most of the 
civilized world, in marking the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 
attacks, and in doing so, remember the thousands of innocent Americans 
who lost their lives that day, and extend the Nation's highest prayers 
to their families, friends, and loved ones. I thank God for the freedom 
which Americans enjoy, a freedom for which American lives were lost.
  Like so many of my colleagues, I attended a dedication ceremony this 
morning of the 9/11 Memorial at the Pentagon, where I joined 
Huntington, West Virginia, residents Dr. Ken and Sharon Ambrose, whose 
son, Dr. Paul Ambrose, was one of the 184 lives lost in the Pentagon on 
that American Airlines Flight 77 during that fateful day of September 
11, 2001.
  Indeed, Dr. Paul Ambrose was the first name called this morning when 
the bells were rung for each of the victims at the Pentagon. The 
viewing of his memorial, so beautifully etched in the grounds of the 
Pentagon, will truly bless his memory eternally.
  This ceremony and countless others around the Nation today continue 
to remind us that freedom does not come free. Thousands of Americans--
first responders, military service, and Guard members, law enforcement 
personnel, medical personnel, volunteers--continue this very day to 
devote themselves day in and day out to protecting the innocent in 
times of disaster and tragedy, risking their own lives to do so.
  Over the last 7 years, thousands of Americans, both in and out of 
government, have worked tirelessly to improve the security of our 
Nation. Much progress has been made, but more work remains to be done. 
Our number one duties as Members of Congress, of course, are to protect 
the people of this country and to ensure that such a terrible tragedy 
never happens again. As we move forward, we all will work hard to 
continue to keep our homeland secure and to seek out and defeat 
terrorist organizations around the world.
  I thank the gentleman again for yielding.
  Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, it is now my pleasure to yield 1 minute 
to the Speaker of the House.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman from California is 
recognized for 1 minute.

[[Page 18482]]


  Ms. PELOSI. Thank you, Madam Speaker. I thank the gentleman for 
yielding. I thank him for his leadership in giving us this opportunity 
today, on September 11, to express our gratitude to our first 
responders, our sympathy to the families of 9/11, and our concern for 
the safety of the American people. I acknowledge his leadership role in 
this from his committee standpoint, but as a New Yorker who knows 
firsthand the horror of 9/11. So, thank you, Mr. Ackerman, for your 
leadership and for your commitment on this issue. I also thank 
Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen for her leadership in bringing this to the 
floor as well.
  When Abraham Lincoln was a very young man, not 30 years old, he made 
a speech in 1838, and in it he was talking about the history of our 
country and important events and how sometimes they are lost in the 
public memory. He referred to the ``silent artillery of time,'' 
sometimes referenced as ``harsh artillery of time,'' but nonetheless, 
the artillery of time to dull the memory of important events.
  Certainly, that is a gift if the artillery of time dulls the pain of 
a terrible loss. But there's no artillery powerful enough to dull the 
memory of 9/11, what it did to our country, what it attempted to do to 
our country.
  The courage of the families of 9/11, who turned their grief into 
strength, and arguing for better policy in terms of the 9/11 Commission 
and the enactment of its recommendations to make America safer, their 
grief through strength to action, has made America safer. We have more 
to do.
  The silent artillery of time will never diminish the appreciation or 
the memory of the courage of our first responders, our police, our 
firemen, our emergency services people, the construction workers, who 
went in right away, risking their lives, so that they could save other 
lives. Some of them lost their lives.
  The silent artillery of time will never, never dull the act of 
cowardice on the part of these terrorists. They don't care about life 
or buildings. They do care about instilling fear. That is their goal, 
the terrorists, to instill terror.
  But they did not succeed in that regard, because New York rallied. 
This morning, we were at the Pentagon to see the families there, and 
their spirit, as the Pentagon Memorial was dedicated, and referencing 
what happened in Pennsylvania. The indomitable spirit of the American 
people is too strong a force for the terrorists to succeed with.
  So, again, the silent artillery of time will never, ever have us 
forget what happened to our country on that day, and the hatred and 
cowardice that inspired it.
  So, here we are today, 7 years later, saying once again to the 
families how sorry we are, thanking them for their courage, hoping for 
the best for them for their children and the future. Here we are today, 
7 years later, saying to the first responders, Thank you very much.
  But, as some others have said here, words are not enough. There are 
ways that we can put into action our appreciation, and that is to 
recognize the health needs of those who responded on that day and whose 
health problems linger to this day, and some that we won't even know 
about into the future.
  We will never forget, no matter what, what they did to minimize the 
toll, the death toll that might have been. We always remember because 
we have constant reminders of it, as well the courage of these people 
on a day-to-day basis still across America keeping us safe.
  On this day, it drives home what we always know, that our first 
responsibility as elected officials is to protect the American people, 
make them safe in their homes, neighborhoods, towns, and communities, 
and ensure their national security. That is something that we must do, 
working together, so that we can meet any threat to our security, 
wherever it may occur.
  In that spirit, I want to acknowledge also the courage, patriotism, 
and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform and their sacrifices that 
they are making, and that their families are making, to keep America 
safe.
  So with all the respect in the world for President Lincoln when he 
was a young man, talking about the silent artillery of time, his 
message reminds us that, again, time may lessen pain, but it will never 
diminish our memory of what happened on 9/11, the courage that 
followed, and the responsibility we have to keep the American people 
safe.
  God bless those families. They have done so much for our country, 
fresh off their tragedy. God bless those families. With their courage, 
God truly blessed America.

                              {time}  1445

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman is recognized for 7\1/4\ 
minutes.
  Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, a very thoughtful general once observed 
that the loss of 1,000 lives is a statistic, but the loss of one life 
was a tragedy. There were thousands of tragedies that occurred 7 years 
ago today. I want to talk about one of them.
  It was a very long week here in Washington, that week of 9/11. It 
took three or four times the usual time for me to get back to New York. 
It was late at night. I was able to get a cab in New York to take me 
down to the World Trade Center, to the pier where they had set up all 
of the emergency work. I went there at that hour to find my wife, who 
was a mental health worker, one of those people who were asked to come 
down and volunteer.
  As I waited for her to do the things that she and so many other 
people were doing, I walked around. There was a long, huge wall with 
pictures on 8\1/2\ by 11, on napkins, on flyers that were drawn up, 
people who had pictures of their loved ones, their husbands, their 
wives, their children, if anybody saw them.
  There were firemen walking around trying to console women who did not 
know yet if they were widows.
  There were little dolls alongside the wall on the floor stretching 
for two blocks along this pier. They all had notes on them. They were 
from children who suffered the loss of parents in the Murrah Building 
disaster. And these notes all said things like, ``When I was in trouble 
and frightened, someone gave me this doll to make me feel better. I 
send it to you and hope that you feel better.''
  A fire chief came over to me and asked me if I would go over and just 
stand by this gentleman who was all alone at the wall. It was probably 
midnight. And this fellow in unique garb, he was a Hassidic Jew, 
dressed in the traditional big brim black hat, looking very much like 
the Amish do with the long black coat, he stood in front of one flyer 
without blinking. The only thing he did was move back and forth, back 
and forth, staring at this picture.
  I just stood next to him. And after a minute he spoke to me, without 
even looking at me, just staring at the picture on this flyer that 
looked like a younger version of himself, and he said, ``That was my 
brother.'' He, I was told, was there every night doing this. ``He was 
my brother. He called me to say good-bye.''
  ``I told him,'' he said, ``that he had to get out of that building. 
He had to get out right away.'' And he said to me, ``I'm sitting 
holding hands with the young man who works in the cubicle next to mine, 
a young Puerto Rican kid who lives in a wheelchair, and there is no way 
for him to get out of this building. I told him he would not die alone, 
and I am just calling to say good-bye.''
  There is nothing anyone could say, nothing I could say. I just stood 
there.
  There are thousands of stories, there are thousands of lives, there 
are tens of thousands of people who were immediately impacted by 
relatives who died that day, who are heroes as well, some of whom 
knowingly, some of whom unknowingly went to their deaths, in addition 
to all of those who rushed into the building to save those that they 
could.
  As we remember the first responders, as we remember the people who 
dug in that pile for so many days and weeks and months, risking their 
own lives, putting their health at risk and danger, as we know today, 
an issue that

[[Page 18483]]

still has to be addressed, we remember also those who caused all of 
that anguish and pain, all of those thousands of tragedies, who changed 
history in that one incident, and rededicate ourselves to not being 
only strong, but smart, as we confront those threats and honor the 
memory of all those who were lost and all those who tried to help on 
that day.
  Mr. SOUDER. Madam Speaker, it has been 7 years since the terrorist 
attacks that took the lives of over 3,000 men, women, and children. I 
join with my colleagues to offer sincere condolences to the families of 
the victims. We must never forget these tragic events; they have left a 
wound that will never heal.
  I also rise to remember and honor the first responders who acted with 
bravery and heroism on that day and during the recovery period. During 
one of the worst tragedies our Nation has faced, we witnessed the most 
remarkable acts of self-sacrifice, courage, and compassion. It is a 
testament to the American spirit.
  Since 9/11, we have taken steps to help anticipate and deter future 
attacks and prepare for a quick and effective response following an 
emergency. One benchmark of the progress made is the absence of further 
acts of terrorism on U.S. soil during the past 7 years. This has not 
been an accident.
  The men and women serving in our Nation's Armed Forces are pursuing 
terrorists overseas and warrant our utmost respect and appreciation for 
their faithful service. Additionally, the 216,000 employees of the 
Department of Homeland Security deserve our gratitude for their efforts 
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to gather and analyze intelligence, 
coordinate with State and local law enforcement, harden our borders, 
secure our transportation systems, and enforce the laws.
  We all recognize that our foes are extremely determined and patient; 
even now they are looking to exploit our open and free society to carry 
out additional attacks. Our resolve must be even stronger to detect, 
deter, and respond. There is much more work to do to bolster our 
security and counter changing threats.
  Today is a day to renew our commitment to improve our intelligence 
capabilities, secure our borders, support our first responders in 
communities large and small, and intensify our vigilance.
  While the attacks occurred in New York, Washington, DC, and 
Pennsylvania, the Nation felt the reverberations and stood together in 
unprecedented unity. I urge my colleagues to put aside partisan 
differences and make the security of our Nation and the well-being of 
our military personnel fighting the war on terrorism top priorities.
  Mr. HOLT. Madam Speaker, this is the day we pause and remember those 
who lost their lives on that terrible day 7 years ago. We also remember 
the heroism of the first responders, and of those who fought back 
against terrorists--people like the late Todd Beamer, a resident of 
central New Jersey. But even as we look back in sorrow and remembrance, 
we must also look to the future and remember our obligation to prevent 
other American families from enduring a similar horror in the future.
  We have made progress in making our country more secure since 
September 11, 2001. A critical piece of legislation was enacted in 
August 2007 to better protect Americans from terrorism and improve our 
security. The legislation (H.R. 1) completed the enactment of the 
recommendations of the bipartisan, independent 9/11 Commission into 
law. This law requires 100 percent screening of cargo on passenger 
aircraft within 3 years and 100 percent scanning of seaborne cargo 
before it gets to U.S. ports within 5 years, ensures that first 
responders can communicate with each other in an emergency, and 
improves rail and mass transit security. It is disgraceful that the 
administration has failed to implement the law, and I will certainly do 
my part to keep the pressure up until they fully comply.
  On the issue of meeting post-9/11 threats, I'm pleased that this 
Congress has taken steps to secure our rail and transit systems. As we 
saw with the attacks on rail and mass transit systems in Europe and 
India over the last few years, transit systems are prime targets. I was 
pleased to lead the effort last year that secured $400 million in 
funding for rail and transit security grant programs--$225 million more 
than President Bush requested in his budget. We still have a long way 
to go before our rail and transit systems are as safe as they should 
be, but we are finally moving in the right direction.
  Madam Speaker, I support this bill and I urge my colleagues to join 
me in voting for it.
  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, we suffer in our remembrance of 9/11, 
because of the terrible loss of innocent lives on that grim day. We 
also suffer because 9/11 was seized as an opportunity to run a 
political agenda, which has set America on a course of the destruction 
of another nation and the destruction of our own Constitution. And we 
have become less secure as a result of the warped practice of pursuing 
peace through the exercise of pre-emptive military strength.
  It is not simply 9/11 that needs to be remembered. We also need to 
remember the politicization of 9/11 and the polarizing narrative which 
followed, locking us into endless conflict, a war on terror which has 
wrought further terror worldwide and which has severely damaged our 
standing worldwide as an honorable, compassionate nation. As we were 
all victims of 9/11, so we have become victims of the interpretation of 
9/11.
  Our Government's external response to 9/11 was to attack a nation 
which did not attack us. Indeed on the first anniversary of 9/11, the 
Bush administration issued a well-publicized stern warning to Iraq 
which was part of a campaign to induce people to believe Iraq had 
something to do with 9/11.
  The deliberate, systematic connection of Iraq with 9/11 has led 
America into a philosophical and moral cul-de-sac as over 1 million 
Iraqis and over 4,155 U.S. soldiers have died in a war which will cost 
over $3 trillion. Additionally, soldiers from 23 other countries have 
died in the Iraq war.
  Last year, I voted against a similar resolution to the one before us 
today because it ignored the reality of the administration's use of 9/
11 as a false justification for war. This year, I will vote for the 
resolution because I have renewed hope that the day will come when 
September 11 will no longer symbolize the false justification for an 
unjustified and unprovoked war.
  Over two dozen nations, facing peril within and without, deeply 
divided by politics and war, have traveled down a path of restoring 
civil society through a formal process of reconciliation. At some point 
within each of those countries it was understood that the way forward 
is shown through the light of truth. This process is not without pain 
because it requires a willingness to study evidence to which eyes had 
been averted and ears had been closed. But in the process of truth and 
reconciliation, nations found new strength, new resolve, new 
commitment.
  The South African Truth and Reconciliation enabled that nation to 
come to grips with its past through a public confessional, bringing 
forward those who committed crimes and having the power to grant 
amnesty for full disclosure of crimes against the people. Of course, 
our path may necessarily be different: High U.S. government officials 
stand accused in impeachment petitions of violating national and 
international law. Our continued existence as a democracy may depend 
upon how thoroughly we seek the truth. I will call upon the American 
people to join me in supporting this effort.
  The truth can move us forward, as a unified whole, so that we can one 
day become a re-United States. 9/11 is the day the world changed. It is 
the day America embraced a metaphor of war. If we are open to truth and 
reconciliation, we may one day be able, once again, to embrace peace.
  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, 7 years ago this 
week I sat in my Tallahassee office feeling scared, angry and sad. 
Those were some of the first emotions that went through my mind after 
the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
  Like most Americans that day I was struck by the utter hatred toward 
America that consumed the men flying the planes that crashed into our 
revered national landmarks. What kind of person is filled with so much 
hate that they would kill themselves and thousands of innocent people 
at the same time?
  Even today I still struggle to comprehend what drives these people to 
commit mass murder and try to destroy the political and religious 
freedoms that millions enjoy around the world.
  Since 9/11 the attacks on America and her allies by extremist Islamic 
jihadists have continued. While you and I don't believe that mass 
murder achieves anything, there are thousands of young Islamic 
terrorists who believe in jihad and the reestablishment of the Muslim 
caliphate.
  Thankfully, due to the vigilance of our troops abroad and the changes 
to our Nation's security back home, America has been spared further 
devastation.
  Other nations have not been so lucky. British subway commuters were 
attacked by bomb-wielding terrorists. Spanish trains were bombed by 
radical Islamic terrorists, killing dozens. A nightclub in Bali was 
attacked, killing several hundred. Muslim extremists attacked a school 
in Russia, murdering more than 300, many of them little children. The 
list goes on and on, in virtually every region of the world.

[[Page 18484]]

  The fact is that the United States is engaged in a battle with an 
enemy that is difficult to track and hard to defeat. Unlike World War 
II or Korea, where we knew what country we were fighting and could 
identify the enemy by the color of their uniforms, today's battles are 
a fundamentally different challenge.
  It is no longer the nation state declaring war on the United States 
that we must fear. Instead it is the lone fundamental terrorist with 
the tools, weapons and willpower to sacrifice his life so that 
Americans will be killed. All it takes is one dirty nuclear suitcase 
bomb to destroy an American city like Orlando or Tampa.
  That is why it is so important to remember what happened on that 
fateful September morning 7 years ago. The deaths of 3,000 Americans 
should never be forgotten. As the years pass, however, some have gotten 
complacent about our Nation's security and the threat of Islamic 
terrorists.
  Sadly, we must remain ever vigilant, because there are new threats to 
the United States and her allies unearthed every day. There is no doubt 
about it, Al-Qaeda and other like-minded terrorist organizations are 
still plotting to kill Americans and destroy our freedoms and 
liberties.
  September 11, 2001, is a solemn day in our collective memories. While 
it is a time for remembrance and prayer, it should also remind 
Americans of the challenges we face to protect our democratic rights 
and freedoms.
  With thousands of American soldiers stationed around the world, this 
anniversary is a perfect time to say a prayer for their safety and to 
thank them for defending the memories of those who lost their lives in 
the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
  I hope that you take this opportunity to remember the victims of 9/11 
and never forget the sacrifices of those who fight for our freedoms.
  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, today we mark an event so 
important to our Nation that it can be identified, simply, by two 
numbers. The phrase ``9/11'' bears all of the emotions of that fateful 
day in 2001. Feelings of shock, helplessness and sorrow are still 
present 7 years later as our Nation engages its enemies abroad. As 
Americans, we stand to honor those who lost their lives that day, as 
well as the brave men and women of the armed services who sacrifice so 
much to protect us from further attack.
  On September 11, 2001, we learned that heroes still exist. Just as 
those who serve our country are willing to forego life for the benefit 
of others, the firefighters, police and emergency personnel and those 
passengers who fought back provided the reassurance that Americans 
still will give their lives for others and preserve the future of our 
Nation. The heroes of 9/11 reaffirm that those who served in past 
battles did not serve in vain. Their examples allowed us a new 
generation of role models.
  As we honor those who lost their lives at the World Trade Center and 
the Pentagon, we must take this opportunity to recognize them as 
genuine heroes. The significance of their sacrifice is an incredible 
reminder of the great responsibility we have as Americans. There is not 
a U.S. citizen who is not affected by the events of that day. To honor 
their memory is to honor the sacrifice made by everyone who has laid 
down their life in defense of freedom.
  9/11 marked a coming of age for the world. International terrorism 
had shown up at our front door and surprised a sleeping world. Though 
the events of that day will be remembered for the physical devastation 
that ensued, hope and renewed sense of patriotism will be September 
11th's legacy. Our innocence shattered, we made renewed efforts to keep 
our homeland safe and our world more secure.
  Shortly after the attacks of September 11, I joined a half a dozen 
members of Congress in visiting New York City and the remains of the 
World Trade Center. I wanted to express on behalf of all Kansans our 
support and concern for the victims and their families and to express 
our condolences.
  Just a few feet away from Ground Zero, New Yorkers created a 
makeshift memorial to those who died in the rubble of the Twin Towers. 
There, thousands of ordinary people brought cards and flowers as a 
tribute to those who died. While there, I happened to pick up a white 
piece of notebook paper, blue lines, jagged edge, torn from a spiral 
notebook. On that piece of paper was the writing of a child: ``Dear 
Daddy, How much I miss you. How I hope heaven is a wonderful place and 
I hope I can live a life good enough to join you there someday. Signed, 
Amanda, Age 12''.
  Amanda, who I will not meet nor ever know, must never be forgotten. 
Her note to her Dad is a reminder that each generation is called on to 
preserve our way of life and that the cause is noble. That I, as a 
member of Congress and we, as American citizens, have a 
responsibility--there must be no more Amandas.
  Thank you for the opportunity to express my gratitude for the heroes 
we are honoring today. Most importantly, I want to express my gratitude 
to the people who have made our freedoms a reality. Thank you, and may 
God bless you.
  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, it is difficult to believe 
that it has been 7 years since that horrific day of September 11, 2001. 
It is important that today every American take time to pause and 
reflect upon those who we lost on that day and those whose heroism and 
bravery vividly showed the indomitable American spirit.
  For the last 7 years our Nation has been at war against an enemy that 
hides in the shadows and preys upon the innocent. An enemy that does 
not value life or freedom. But that enemy has found that the will of 
the American people is impossible to defeat. That the vigilance and 
dedication of those in law enforcement who protect our communities is 
unending. That the bravery and commitment to the cause of freedom of 
the American Armed Forces is unmatched in the world.
  So on this solemn day it is appropriate to mourn those who were lost. 
To say a prayer for their memory and for their families. And to give 
thanks to those who so bravely continue to protect our freedom. May God 
continue to bless this great Nation.
  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, on the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 
terrorist attacks, I join every American in honoring the innocent men, 
women, and children who lost their lives to those attacks. I pay 
tribute to their memory, and extend my deepest sympathies to the loved 
ones they left behind.
  I also honor the brave first responders--the firefighters, policemen, 
and ordinary citizens--who so courageously risked and, in many cases, 
gave their lives for others.
  Over the past seven years, Americans have worked tirelessly to 
prevent further attacks and protect the American people. The 110th 
Congress joined them by focusing on keeping our country safe and has 
wisely implemented the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. We now 
have vastly improved security on our rail and public transit systems, 
more robust screening of aircraft and seaborne cargo, and strengthened 
law enforcement capabilities.
  Those who perpetrated the attacks of September 11, 2001 must be 
brought to justice. I am determined to see the next administration 
rectify the grave mismanagement that has allowed many of these 
terrorists to go unpunished.
  We must also acknowledge that today's threats--terrorism, global 
economic upheaval, worldwide epidemics, and environmental devastation--
are nuanced and interconnected and cannot be addressed by military 
force alone. Protecting our security demands that we cooperate with our 
neighbors and promote wise governance. We must address global poverty, 
promote wise stewardship of natural resources, and provide aid to 
developing and devastated peoples.
  It is the first-order duty of Congress to keep Americans safe. As we 
commemorate the seventh anniversary of 9/11, I join Americans across 
our Nation in grieving for loved ones lost, and in honoring the heroes 
among us. I resolve to do all in my power to prevent a tragedy like 
this from happening again.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 
1420, a resolution recognizing September 11 as a day of remembrance, 
extending sympathies to those who lost their lives on September 11, 
2001, and their families, honoring the heroic actions of our Nation's 
first responders and armed forces, and reaffirming the commitment to 
the defense of the people of the United States against any and all 
future challenges.
  I support this resolution because although seven years have passed 
since that fateful day, the pain, agony, and sense of loss still 
endures in the hearts and minds of the American people. As we reflect 
on the tragic events of 9/11, we can never forget the courage and 
heroism of the men and women who selflessly reacted to help those that 
were incapacitated and remember the nearly 3,000 innocent lives that 
were sacrificed without warning.
  This tragedy has left an indelible scar on the Nation's history and 
has awakened a newfound sense of patriotism and nationalism. This day 
of remembrance is important and necessary because it reminds us that we 
must continue to support those that fight abroad to keep our homeland 
safe.
  America must now look forward and do all that it can to ensure the 
integrity of freedom upon which this country has been founded. We must 
learn from the aftermath of this catastrophe to respond and react to 
such disastrous events without inhibiting the civil liberties and 
freedom of the very people we serve.

[[Page 18485]]

  Madam Speaker, on September 11, 2001, the Nation watched in horror as 
the unthinkable occurred. On that faithful day, a ruthless attack had 
been orchestrated, transforming the WorId Trade Center Towers and the 
Pentagon into human infernos that claimed thousands of innocent lives. 
The tragic events of 9/11 were examples of despicable acts of faceless 
cowards who have no regard for human life.
  Across the United States and around the world, people of all ages and 
walks of life collectively united during a time of tremendous sorrow 
and despair. It was an unforgettable day that transformed the lives of 
many and united Americans in a way this Nation had not seen since WorId 
War II.
  As I stand here today, my heart remains torn from the gruesome events 
of that day as I can only imagine what the passengers on flights United 
Airlines 93, American Airlines 77, American Airlines 11, and United 
Airlines 175 were thinking of when they found out that they had only 
moments to live. I must commend the brave souls that did everything to 
help prevent more lives from being lost. The actions taken by the 
passengers of flight 93, firefighters, policemen, and first responders 
can never be forgotten and their service is worthy of great 
recognition.
  I stand here today simply to offer my deepest condolences to the 
families of the fallen victims and the servicemen and women who 
sacrificed their own lives to save others. On behalf the 18th 
Congressional District of Texas, I express my sorrow for the tragic 
losses in New York, Washington, DC, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. 
However, we must also not forget the good that has come about in the 
midst of a country that harbored many differences.
  After the tragic events of 9/11, there was a realization that in 
those moments of humanity, Americans were able to unite and share the 
same sense of sorrow and empathy. The people of the United States came 
together and strengthened its resolve to defend and protect the basic 
fundamentals of the country. This is what makes our country so great. 
As the late Dr. Martin Luther King has said, ``Injustice anywhere is a 
threat to justice everywhere.'' I must also bring to light the 
overwhelming support of our global community in this time of tragedy.
  As we reflect back upon this unfortunate event, we need to also 
consider the measures we have taken to make America safer. As a member 
of the Homeland Security Committee and the Committee on Foreign 
Affairs, it is my duty to bring to the attention of the American people 
many homeland security initiatives that we have undertaken that have 
not been successful.
  Osama bin Laden has eluded our forces for nearly eight years and the 
nation's infrastructures and borders are still vulnerable to attacks. 
Immigration has been an important concern that has resulted from these 
attacks and the terrorist watch list that the Transportation Security 
Administration has implemented is apparently inefficient.
  Madam Speaker, there are many issues that still need to be addressed 
in order to secure our nation. It is my sincere hope that we as 
Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike will come together to 
expeditiously resolve these issues and help place the path of this 
great nation onto a noble path. I have great faith and confidence that 
we will be able to achieve this soon one day and our differences will 
be accommodated.
  As we move forward, 9/11 is a day that will remain in remembrance. We 
have understood the meaning of sacrifice through the country's history 
of rebuilding and positive reform. The United States is the forefront 
of innovation and has the ability to reflect and learn from past 
mistakes. I pray for the lives lost on 9/11 and also for the protection 
of innocent lives from senseless conflicts and war.
  I urge all members to join me in supporting H. Res. 1420. This tragic 
moment can never be forgotten and we need to do all we can in our power 
to prevent such a travesty from occurring again. We must remember 
September 11, 2001 to propel this nation and its policies to prevent 
and prepare itself from future disasters.
  Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, today we mark the seventh anniversary of 
the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and remember the thousands of innocent men, 
women and children who lost their lives on that day, and we extend our 
sympathies to their families, friends, and loved ones.
  We also honor the heroic service, actions, and sacrifices of those 
first responders, law enforcement personnel, volunteers, and others who 
aided the innocent victims, in many cases sacrificed their own lives.
  My personal experiences that day are vivid: going to a press 
conference in the Capitol at 9:30, moving fast to get out of the 
building when we saw the reports of smoke at the Pentagon. I went to 
the Pentagon two days later to thank the emergency workers and was 
touched by their resolve and strength to rescue their fellow citizens.
  Over the last seven years, our Nation worked tirelessly to improve 
our Nation's security and to protect our people. We thank our men and 
women who serve in the military and put their lives on the line every 
day to ensure that we never have to relive those tragic events ever 
again.
  Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, today is the 7th anniversary of one of the 
most horrific days in our Nation's history. On September 11, 2001 
terrorists attacked the United States and slaughtered our fellow 
citizens in New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Fox News is calling 
this the ``day that changed America'' but I disagree. America didn't 
change, instead the evil attacks brought out the best in America.
  As terrible events have a tendency to do, the terrorist attacks 
brought this Nation together. We have mourned together, been angry 
together, prayed together, indeed come together as Americans not as 
Southerners or Northerners, Midwesterners or East Coasters. It's an 
outlook that extends beyond national pride; we acknowledge that we as 
Americans are all in this together. None of us who were here on that 
terrible day will forget the spontaneous gathering of Congress on the 
steps of this great building that survived thanks to the brave men and 
women of Flight 93. Politics was truly brushed aside as we joined hand 
in hand, mourning the dead, celebrating the spirit of this great 
Nation, and vowing to do all we can to protect this Nation and her 
citizens.
  The events of September 11, 2001 did have had a drastic effect on our 
Nation and the world at large. The focus of the country changed. Today, 
our Nation's ideas and her people still face a continuing threat from 
terrorists. Nearly every single day, the intelligence community records 
another threat or two against America or our interests. Hardly a week 
goes by that some terrorists somewhere don't reiterate their interest 
in attacking this great Nation. But our military, first responders and 
intelligence officers as well as alert citizens have remained vigilant 
and prevented further attacks.
  Today as we remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 
and their loved ones, we also take time to honor and thank the 
thousands of first responders, the myriad aviation personnel from air 
traffic controllers to pilots and flight attendants who safely grounded 
planes across the country, and of course the men and women in our 
military and intelligence communities who have been engaged in a global 
war on the terrorists for the past seven years. God bless them all and 
may God continue to bless America.
  Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
victims and heroes on the seventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks 
of September 11, 2001. As someone who lost more than 150 friends, 
neighbors, and constituents on September 11, my heart goes out to the 
families who lost loved ones. September 11th will forever remain a day 
of great tragedy for the United States, but it is also one of great 
triumph, as Americans came together and demonstrated extraordinary 
heroism, courage, and unity.
  We commend the first responders who served on that tragic day and 
during the many difficult days thereafter. And, we honor those who gave 
their lives in responding so heroically.
  September 11 served as a wake up call for our Nation. In the seven 
years that have followed, Congress and the Administration have worked 
with, and on behalf of, law enforcement, first responders, and the 
Intelligence Community to better secure the United States. Passage of 
the Homeland Security Act of 2002, the PATRIOT Act, the SAFE Port Act, 
the Secure Fence Act, the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention 
Act, and the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 
2007 provided the Department of Homeland Security and the Intelligence 
Community with the tools they need to secure our Nation.
  It is no accident that we have not been attacked since September 11. 
This is due to a number of reasons, including the dedicated efforts of 
the employees of the Department of Homeland Security, many of whom 
serve in the New York metropolitan area.
  Make no mistake; we are more secure than we were on September 11, but 
more needs to be done. We will never forget the lessons of September 
11th, and we will continue to work to secure the United States against 
radical Islamic terrorists who want to do us harm.
  Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1420 
recognizing September 11 as a day of remembrance, remembering those who 
lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and honoring the heroic actions 
of

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our Nation's first responders and the Armed Forces.
  On that tragic day, I was the Mayor of Jest New York, New Jersey and 
a member of the State Assembly. My district sits directly across from 
lower Manhattan and ever since the smoke cleared on 9/11, there has 
been a visible reminder to me and my constituents of the loss we 
suffered on that day. Everyday I am at home in West New York, I see the 
absence in the skyline. It is a constant reminder to me of the great 
loss our nation suffered on September 11. Hundreds of husbands, wives, 
parents, friends and neighbors did not return home that night. Many 
others did return home but still have to bear the burden of their 
losses everyday.
   Madam Speaker, today I want to honor the memories of those we lost 
seven years ago today and those who lost loved ones. I'd also like to 
honor our troops that, since September 11, 2001, have been fighting so 
bravely abroad to protect this great cquntry. We appreciate their 
sacrifice.
  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, today we commemorate the seventh 
anniversary of the most terrible terrorist attack ever on American 
soil. We remember those who suffered injury and mourn with the families 
who lost loved ones.
  But we also remember the indomitable spirit of America that lit that 
dark day and the days that followed. The courage of the first 
responders and ordinary citizens who risked, and in some cases 
sacrificed, their lives to save others. The men and women of our armed 
forces who have worked honorably to defend our Nation from future harm. 
The millions of Americans who volunteered and supported efforts to 
rebuild New York and Washington and care for those who were injured 
there.
  These individual acts of bravery and sacrifice remind us that even in 
times of fear and pain, the flame of liberty does not falter. In the 
face of grave threats, the world can stand together. And with the power 
of our ideals and the strength of our resolve, we can build a more 
peaceful world.
  Mr. HENSARLING. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the 
individuals who sacrificed their lives on September 11, 2001 to protect 
the safety of our citizens and preserve our great Nation's freedom.
  The world was forever changed 7 years ago on the morning of September 
11. Nearly 3,000 innocent people were murdered at the World Trade 
Center, the Pentagon, and on a quiet field in Pennsylvania.
  While we think back to the massive destruction of that day and mourn 
the lives lost, we will also never forget the shared spirit of 
togetherness that followed our sorrow. The countless acts of heroism 
and bravery on 9/11 gave birth to a dawn of unity and camaraderie.
  We must thank our first responders who go to work each day willing to 
make the ultimate sacrifice to save a complete stranger. We must thank 
the men and women of our armed forces who defend our freedom and 
Nation. Because of their sacrifices, our Nation stands tall on the 
great progress that has been achieved by these brave men and women.
  Since September 11, 2001, we have reshaped our homeland's defense and 
significantly improved our readiness to deal with terrorist attacks. 
The war on terror is a struggle for freedom unlike any other that our 
Nation has faced. We must always be as united behind our cause as they 
are behind theirs.
  When America unites to defend the same ideals and virtues that our 
fathers, grandfathers and generations prior have defended, we know that 
she will remain a beacon of liberty around the world.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Fifth District of Texas, I would like 
to express my eternal gratitude to the men and women that defended our 
Nation 7 years ago and to the individuals who continue to protect us at 
home and abroad.
  Mr. MURTHA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the heroes 
who died seven years ago today in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, 
and in the Congressional district that I represented, Shanksville, 
Pennsylvania.
  On September 11, 2001, I was in the U.S. Capitol, where the 
subcommittee I now chair was marking up the annual Defense 
Appropriations Bill. After the order was given to evacuate, I headed 
back to Pennsylvania. The next day, September 12, 2001, I visited the 
crash site of United Flight 93 in Shanksville, only 30 miles south of 
my home. We all owe a deep debt of gratitude to those heroic passengers 
who foiled the terrorists' plan and saved the lives of countless 
Americans working and visiting in the U.S. Capitol.
  In our darkest hour, Americans everywhere joined together in acts of 
bravery, compassion and hope. Our first responders worked round-the-
clock to help those in need, and millions of us gave our time and 
resources to relief organizations like the American Red Cross. In the 
months following September 11th we found comfort and pride in each 
other. We were all Americans, and we were determined to move our great 
Nation forward.
  Madam Speaker, our number one duty is to ensure the safety and 
security of the American people. Our brave men and women in uniform are 
fighting around the globe so that our children can grow up in a world 
absent of war and terrorism. We pay tribute to their bravery and to 
their sacrifice on this anniversary of September 11th, 2001.
  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 
1420, expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding 
the terrorist attacks launched against the United States on September 
11, 2001. Many of us were here in Washington on that fateful day and 
knew that our lives had changed forever.
  House Resolution 1420 recognizes September 11 as a day of solemn 
commemoration. This resolution extends our deepest condolences again to 
the friends, families, and loved ones of the victims of the September 
11, 2001 terrorist attacks. H. Res. 420 also honors the heroic service, 
actions and sacrifices of the first responders, officials and 
volunteers who came to the aid of the victims of these attacks. On this 
day, we remember the selfless valor that so many Americans displayed. 
This resolution also expresses our gratitude to the foreign leaders and 
citizens of all nations who have joined with the United States in 
fighting terrorism. H. Res. 1420 recognizes the service and sacrifices 
of the United States Armed Forces and their families who remain in the 
front lines of this fight.
  Although we pause on September 11th to reflect and say thanks, on 
this day we should also remember that the forces that divide us from 
one another can never overcome the transcendent unity we have as 
Americans. As H. Res. 1420 states, this unspeakable act of terrorism 
``was designed to intimidate the Nation and its allies, and to weaken 
the national resolve.'' However, seven years ago in the face of this 
tragedy, Members of Congress stood united, shoulder to shoulder on the 
steps on this Capitol and pledged to work together to remember this day 
and honor the sacrifice of the fallen. Today we remember that pledge.
  In appreciation of that spirit, in memory of the valor of the heroes 
and the fallen of that day, I urge colleagues to join me in voting for 
House Resolution 1420.
  Mr. WOLF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join my House colleagues in 
support of this resolution recognizing September 11 as a day of 
remembrance; extending sympathies to those who lost their lives on 
September 11, 2001, and their families; honoring the heroic actions of 
our Nation's first responders and armed forces, and reaffirming the 
commitment to defending the people of the United States against any and 
all future challenges.
  We all will always remember where we were on that fateful morning of 
September 11, 2001, a beautiful, sunny and clear early autumn day in 
the Nation's capital when terrorists launched their attacks on America. 
It is etched forever in our memories.
  We will never forget--those who died; those who survived and live 
with the scars; the firemen who ran up the stairs of the World Trade 
Center to save lives and gave theirs; the heroes on the plane in 
Pennsylvania; the families left behind whose lives will always have a 
void; the neighbors, the friends, the countless strangers who performed 
selfless acts of kindness we will never even know about.
  On this solemn anniversary I always think back to the sermon the 
pastor of my church gave the Sunday after September 11 when he said: 
``Life is fragile. Evil is real. God is sure.''
  Life is fragile. It can end in an instant. The families of those who 
died in the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in a 
field in Pennsylvania never thought that would be their last day to see 
their loved ones.
  A woman in New York said, ``We parted with a kiss on the Union Square 
Subway platform at around half past eight that morning. Jason was 
heading to his new job at Cantor Fitzgerald in the World Trade Center; 
I was heading to my office in SoHo. He must have made it to his desk 
moments before the plane struck the building.''
  Evil is real. We saw on September 11 that evil men did evil deeds to 
innocent people. Thirty people from Virginia's 10th congressional 
district died on 9/11. I went to the Pentagon that day and saw with my 
own eyes the destruction. I returned to the Pentagon this morning to 
join the dedication of the beautiful and moving memorial to hose who 
died there seven years ago.
  I went to Ground Zero in New York City two months after 9/11 and saw 
the devastation. I

[[Page 18487]]

saw the notes written on the wooden railing of the viewing platform 
from family members. One said, ``I love you Daddy'' in a childish 
scrawl. Another said, ``We miss you Dad. When you look down we hope we 
will always make you proud.''
  Evil is real, but God is sure. Psalm 46 says:
  ``God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way, and the 
mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and 
foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Nations are in uproar, 
kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty 
is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.''
  Our lives changed on September 11, and in many ways are still 
changing and will continue to change. Clearly, we are much more aware 
of the threat we now face.
  We had heroes on 9/11--those who lost their lives and those who tried 
to save them--and we continue to have heroes today. They are the brave 
men and women who are fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq showing the 
terrorists that we will take the fight to them. They are the thousands 
of civilian employees at numerous Federal agencies supporting those 
efforts.
  Some of those heroes, like those on 9/11, have given their lives to 
protect our way of life. To them and to their families, we will be 
forever grateful.
  I am reminded of a quote from President Ronald Reagan, who was such 
an optimist. He believed in America and for what she stands. He once 
said in describing America, ``We will always remember. We will always 
be proud. We will always be prepared, so we can always be free.''
  Indeed, we will always remember. And we will always be grateful that 
we live in the United States of America where, it has been said, unlike 
almost any other nation on earth, our identity is rooted not in blood, 
religion or birthplace, but in the idea of freedom.
  Freedom has never been with a price. We owe our lives to each and 
everyone who has paid that ultimate price so that we can continue to 
live in freedom. And so today, we remember 9/11 and those souls who 
perished, and we also honor those who responded to the horrific events 
of that day, and resolve to continue the fight against terrorism and 
those who would seek to destroy freedom.
  Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, today we are solemnly commemorating the 
seventh anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. September 
11th changed all of our lives. It is important that we take this 
opportunity to remember those who lost their lives, and those brave men 
and women who came to the aid of the victims. We will always be 
indebted to the first responders, nurses, doctors, counselors and 
volunteers who have tended to the wounds inflicted by Al Qaeda 
terrorists just 7 years ago.
  As our hearts and national character continue to absorb the pain of 
that tragic day, we understand that our greatest healings have come 
from unity. We gain strength through the compatriotism of our fellow 
citizens, and extend our hands of help as others do the same for us.
  Following September 11, 2001, our country saw a meteoric rise in 
volunteerism, community service and national service program 
enrollment. When our Nation was at its darkest, the light of unity gave 
us direction towards a brighter future. Men and women from every walk 
of life answered the call of history to become active and serve their 
country in any way they could.
  I commend those who have committed their day to giving back. Today, 
dozens of organizations and thousands of individuals are turning their 
grief, respect, and remembrance into action and service to their 
community. This national day of service is patriotism manifested. 
Service confronts the cynicism and hopelessness of terrorism, and 
exemplifies our national foundation of justice, equality, and 
fellowship. The work being done today throughout the country renews the 
spirit of unity that followed tragedy. A national day of service gives 
our country a new tradition that I hope will grow for generations to 
come.
  Once again, I want to thank those who have dedicated their efforts to 
ensuring that our country is protected against and prepared for any 
future terrorist attack. I also wish to remember those lives lost 
during the brutal attacks on September 11, 2001. As we pass the 
Resolution today, we are honoring the heroic service, actions, and 
sacrifices of Americans who so bravely came together after 9/11.
  Mr. MARKEY. Madam Speaker, Last week, our Nation commemorated the 
seventh anniversary of the most devastating attack on our country since 
Pearl Harbor. We remembered the victims and their families, and we also 
honored the heroism of the fire fighters, police officers, emergency 
workers and everyday Americans who rushed to help those caught in the 
almost unimaginable violence on that day.
  The attack has left an indelible mark on our Nation. The two planes 
that were crashed into the World Trade Center towers took off from 
Boston's Logan Airport on that clear Tuesday morning.
  Last week at Logan Airport, a new memorial was dedicated to the 147 
men, women and children who perished on American Airlines Flight 11 and 
United Airlines Flight 175. I ask unanimous consent to insert in the 
Record a statement from Massachusetts Port Authority Chairman Dr. John 
Quelch on the occasion of the dedication of the 9/11 memorial at Logan 
Airport.
  We will never forget the heroism of the Americans affected by the 
September 11th attacks.

                     Remarks of Dr. John A. Quelch

       For the past 7 years, there have already been two memorials 
     at Logan Airport, dedicated to the 147 men, women and 
     children who perished the morning of September 11, 2001 on 
     American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175.
       One stands outside Gate 32 in American Airline's Terminal 
     B. The other stands outside Gate 19 in United's Terminal C. 
     Both memorials appeared spontaneously, raised by airport and 
     airline employees without fanfare or ceremony. These two 
     memorials are one and the same. And there is no grander 
     memorial. That memorial is the flag of the United States of 
     America.
       The flags fly proudly to this day, and will likely fly 
     forever. They symbolize the determination of this airport, 
     this Nation, and the community assembled here to recover from 
     that grievous wound.
       Today, we dedicate a third memorial as a remembrance of 
     that day and its impact on all of us. This memorial is 
     accessible to all who come to this airport. And this memorial 
     acknowledges each lost soul by name.
       It is a simple tribute. A quiet place of reflection. 
     Hopefully, a place for healing. And, with the passage of 
     time, a place for learning and education, as well.
       This memorial is first and foremost for you, the family 
     members and friends of those who perished that sunny 
     September morning. They never asked to make history, yet they 
     did so in the saddest possible way.
       The weight of September 11 also bore heavily on the entire 
     Logan airport community who were devastated to learn that two 
     of our flights--our flight 11, our flight 175--were 
     instruments in the tragedy that unfolded. We at Massport and 
     the entire Logan family hope that you--and we--will find 
     comfort in this place. And in the years to come, we hope that 
     many thousands of visitors--perhaps millions--will also come 
     here to reflect, to heal and to learn.
       Changing our own lives will be the greatest gift we can 
     give to the departed. They surely expect more from us than to 
     merely memorialize their names. They surely want us to do 
     more, work harder, be better, to be inspired by remembering 
     them.
       So, for the sacrifice of those we honor here today, may 
     this memorial therefore make us better fathers and mothers, 
     sons and daughters.
       For their sacrifice, may we be better custodians of the 
     public trust, ever vigilant for the public safety.
       For their sacrifice may we be better citizens and 
     neighbors.
       And in the morning, with the rising of the sun, and with 
     the sounds of freedom in the sky, we shall remember them.

  Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise to support of H. 
Res. 1420 which honors the 7th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on 
the World Trade Cener, the Pentagon, and United Airliines Flight 93. On 
September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 people died and thousands of others 
were injured, scarring families and communities across the Nation. The 
tragic events of that day also challenged our long-held sense of 
national security and forever-changed our Nation.
  In the time following September 11, we also saw the best of the human 
spirit in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Americans from all over the 
country banded together and responded to the barbaric attacks with an 
outpouring of support and commitment to the families of 9/11 and to 
each other. Everyday heroes from all 50 States, including at least 308 
from Connecticut and 64 from the Fifth District alone, put their lives 
and health on the line and traveled to New York to assist in the rescue 
and recovery efforts at Ground Zero. Families who lost loved ones on 
that fateful day dedicated their lives to honoring those killed and 
making sure that, as a Nation, we never forget. The Fetchets, from New 
Canaan, Connecticut, are just one example--they lost their son Brad 
during the attacks on the World Trade Center towers, and rather than 
resigning to mourning, they channeled their grief into resolve, 
founding VOICES of September 11th, an organization dedicated to 
advocating for those affected by the events of September 11, 2001.
  Seven years later, with energy and the economy on the forefront of 
everyone's minds, the lessons of 9/11 seem less immediate; but

[[Page 18488]]

in reality, we should draw upon the strength and cooperation our Nation 
showed during that time to solve the economic and national security 
problems we face today, and to ensure that the needs of 9/11 families 
and workers are met. I am proud to say that in 2007 we worked together 
to pass legislation that requires the enactment of the recommendations 
of the bipartisan 9/11 Commission, making our Nation safer and more 
secure. As we work to ensure that the new law is fully implemented, we 
must also not forget the thousands of people who still struggle every 
single day as a result of the attacks. As we all know, the collapse of 
the World Trade Center towers released a dangerous cocktail of toxins, 
putting hundreds of area workers, residents, rescue and recovery 
workers, and others in the area around Ground Zero at risk. Numerous 
studies have documented that many of those exposed to the toxins have 
developed lower and upper respiratory, gastrointestinal, and mental 
health conditions. With staggering medical bills and the inability to 
work due to illness, many of the heroes of 9/11 are now in severe 
financial distress. The Federal Government has a moral obligation to 
provide them with the care they desperately need and deserve.
  I offer my condolences to the families and loved ones of those who 
died during the attacks as well as my sympathy and commitment to those 
who are sick as a result. We must remain vigilant in the face of 
terrorism, and, Madam Speaker, we must always remember the events that 
occurred on that tragic day 7 years ago.
  Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and 
I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1420.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. ACKERMAN. 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.

                          ____________________