[Deschler-Brown Precedents, Volume 17, Chapters 34 - 40]
[Ch. 36. Ceremonies and Awards]
[Â§16. âHonoring Victims of National Tragedies]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[Page 210-223]
 
                               CHAPTER 36
 
                         Ceremonies and Awards
 
Sec. 16. --Honoring Victims of National Tragedies

    The House has honored the victims of national tragedies in a 
variety of ways, including moments

[[Page 211]]

of silence(1) and authorizing the use of the Capitol grounds 
for memorial services for fallen peace officers.(2)
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 1. See Sec. 13, supra.
 2. See Sec. 16.1, infra.
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    The House marked the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, with 
several ceremonies and observances. On the calendar day following the 
attacks, the House adopted a joint resolution that condemned the 
attacks, declared Sept. 12, 2001, a National Day of Unity and Mourning, 
and marked the day's adjournment out of respect of the victims of the 
attacks.(3) On that same date, the House also agreed to a 
concurrent resolution authorizing the use of the Capitol Rotunda for a 
prayer vigil in memory of those who lost their lives in the 
events.(4)
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 3. See Sec. 16.3, infra. See also Ch. 39, infra.
 4. See Sec.  16.2, infra.
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    The House marked the one-year anniversary of the attacks with a 
special ceremonial meeting of the House and Senate in Federal Hall in 
New York, New York.(5) In ensuing years, the House has 
traditionally observed a moment of silence on or around the year 
anniversary of the attacks.(6)
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 5. See Sec.  16.4, infra.
 6. See, e.g., 151 Cong. Rec. 19779, 109th Cong., 1st Sess., Sept. 8, 
        2005; 150 Cong. Rec. 17851, 108th Cong. 2d Sess., Sept. 9, 
        2004; 149 Cong. Rec. 21835, 108th Cong., 1st Sess., Sept. 11, 
        2003; and 148 Cong. Rec. 16567, 107th Cong. 2d. Sess., Sept. 
        11, 2002.                          -------------------
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National Peace Officers' Memorial Service

Sec. 16.1 By concurrent resolution, the House authorized the use of the 
    Capitol Grounds for the annual National Peace Officers' Memorial 
    Service.

    The Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary has hosted the National 
Police Officers' Memorial Service on the steps of the Capitol. The use 
of the Capitol grounds for the service was authorized by concurrent 
resolution. The ceremony honored those Federal, State, and local law 
enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty during the 
course of the previous year.
    On May 10, 2005,(1) the following proceedings took 
place:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 151 Cong. Rec. H3077-79, 109th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        AUTHORIZING USE OF CAPITOL GROUNDS FOR NATIONAL PEACE OFFICERS' 
                                MEMORIAL SERVICE

        Mr. [Charlie] DENT [of Pennsylvania]. Madam Speaker, I move to 
    suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. 
    Res. 136) authorizing the use of the Capitol

[[Page 212]]

    Grounds for the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service.
        The Clerk read as follows:

                                H. Con. Res. 136

            Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
        concurring), 

     SECTION 1. USE OF CAPITOL GROUNDS FOR NATIONAL PEACE 
                   OFFICERS' MEMORIAL SERVICE.

       (a) In General.--The Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of 
     Police and its auxiliary (in this resolution referred to as 
     the ``sponsor'') shall be permitted to sponsor a public 
     event, the 24th annual National Peace Officers' Memorial 
     Service (in this resolution referred to as the ``event''), on 
     the Capitol Grounds, in order to honor the law enforcement 
     officers who died in the line of duty during 2004.
       (b) Date of Event.--The event shall be held on May 15, 
     2005, or on such other date as the Speaker of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Rules and Administration 
     of the Senate jointly designate.

     SEC. 2. TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

       (a) In General.--Under conditions to be prescribed by the 
     Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol Police Board, the 
     event shall be--
       (1) free of admission charge and open to the public; and
       (2) arranged not to interfere with the needs of Congress.
       (b) Expenses and Liabilities.--The sponsor shall assume 
     full responsibility for all expenses and liabilities incident 
     to all activities associated with the event.

     SEC. 3. EVENT PREPARATIONS.

       Subject to the approval of the Architect of the Capitol, 
     the sponsor is authorized to erect upon the Capitol Grounds 
     such stage, sound amplification devices, and other related 
     structures and equipment, as may be required for the event.

     SEC. 4. ENFORCEMENT OF RESTRICTIONS.

       The Capitol Police Board shall provide for enforcement of 
     the restrictions contained in section 5104(c) of title 40, 
     United States Code, concerning sales, advertisements, 
     displays, and solicitations on the Capitol Grounds, as well 
     as other restrictions applicable to the Capitol Grounds, in 
     connection with the event.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore.(2) Pursuant to the rule, 
    the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Dent) and the gentlewoman from 
    Pennsylvania (Ms. Schwartz) each will control 20 minutes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. Shelley Moore Capito (WV).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. 
    Dent).
        Mr. DENT. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
    consume.
        Madam Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 136 authorizes the 
    use of the Capitol grounds for the annual National Peace Officers' 
    Memorial Service to take place on May 15, 2005. The Grand Lodge of 
    the Fraternal Order of Police and its auxiliary are the sponsors 
    wishing to honor some of America's bravest men and women. The 
    memorial service will honor the 154 Federal, State, and local law 
    enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while 
    protecting their communities in 2004. . . .
        Mr. DENT. 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 Pennsylvania (Mr. Dent) that the House 
    suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. 
    Res. 136.
        The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
    thereof) the rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution was 
    agreed to.
        A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001

Sec. 16.2 The House by unanimous consent agreed to a concurrent 
    resolution authorizing the use of the Rotunda for a prayer vigil in

[[Page 213]]

    memory of those who lost their lives in the events of Sept. 11, 
    2001.

    On the legislative day of Sept. 11, 2001,(1) the 
following proceedings took place:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 147 Cong. Rec. 16761, 16762, 107th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        PERMITTING USE OF ROTUNDA OF CAPITOL FOR PRAYER VIGIL IN MEMORY 
         OF THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN THE EVENTS OF SEPTEMBER 11, 
                                      2001

        Mr. [Robert W.] NEY [of Ohio]. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous 
    consent that the Committee on House Administration be discharged 
    from further consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. 
    Res. 223) permitting the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a 
    prayer vigil in memory of those who lost their lives in the events 
    of September 11, 2001, and ask for its immediate consideration in 
    the House.
        The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
        The SPEAKER pro tempore.(2) Is there objection to 
    the request of the gentleman from Ohio?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. Ray LaHood (IL).
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        Mr. [Steny H.] HOYER [of Maryland]. Mr. Speaker, reserving the 
    right to object, and obviously I will not nor do I intend to 
    object, but I want to reserve the right to object so the gentleman 
    from Ohio (Mr. NEY) can kindly explain the purpose of the 
    concurrent resolution.
        Mr. [Robert W.] NEY [of Ohio]. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman 
    yield?
        Mr. HOYER. I yield to the gentleman from Ohio.
        Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 223 permits 
    the use of the Capitol rotunda for a prayer vigil in memory of 
    those who lost their lives in yesterday's tragic act of terrorism 
    against the United States.
        This country has suffered the most terrible and horrific 
    terrorist attack in its history. Although we still do not know the 
    full story, these unspeakable acts of brutality strike at the very 
    heart of our society. Our heartfelt prayers and sympathy go out to 
    all who have been directly touched by this tragedy and their 
    families.
        Prayer can now be the source of unification and peace for a 
    Nation that is beginning the healing process. The rotunda in our 
    Nation's Capitol is a symbol of unification. House Members, 
    Senators and the American people have historically gathered there 
    for solemn occasions. It is, therefore, fitting that the people's 
    representatives from both bodies gather together there today. No 
    matter what the troubles in the world, you can have peace with God 
    and you can achieve it with prayer.
        My fellow colleagues, please join me and the millions across 
    the country and the world as we remember those who died in a 
    senseless and cowardly act of terrorism. May their memory serve as 
    a reminder that the American spirit lives on and cannot be 
    extinguished.
        Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, further reserving the right to object, 
    I, of course, concur in the Chairman's characterization of the 
    resolution.
        It is appropriate that we authorize the use of the rotunda of 
    the Capitol, the center and heart of this Nation's

[[Page 214]]

    Capitol, to remember those who have paid the final price for living 
    in freedom and defending freedom.
        Our democracy, of course, will not crumble in the face of this 
    disaster. Our democracy will endure this test and emerge stronger 
    and more dedicated to freedom and justice throughout the world.
        We do this to honor and remember those of our fellow citizens, 
    those who live among us who perished yesterday, and those whose 
    lives have been forever changed by grievous acts of cowardice.
        Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.
        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of 
    the gentleman from Ohio?
        There was no objection.
        The Clerk read the concurrent resolution, as follows:

                                H. Con. Res. 223

            Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
        concurring), That the rotunda of the Capitol is authorized to 
        be used at any time on September 12, 2001, for a prayer vigil 
        in memory of those who lost their lives in the events of 
        September 11, 2001. Physical preparations for the vigil shall 
        be carried out in accordance with such conditions as the 
        Architect of the Capitol may prescribe.

        The concurrent resolution was agreed to.
        A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

Sec. 16.3 Special order by unanimous consent for consideration of 
    unreferred joint resolution: (1) expressing sense of Congress on 
    terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001; (2) declaring Sept. 11, 2001 a 
    National Day of Unity and Mourning; and (3) marking the day's 
    adjournment out of respect of the victims of terrorist attacks.

    On the legislative day of Sept. 11, 2001,(1) the 
following proceedings took place:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 147 Cong. Rec. 16762, 16851-53, 107th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Mr. [Dick] ARMEY [of Texas]. Mr. Speaker, I offer a joint 
    resolution (H. J. Res. 61), expressing the sense of the Senate and 
    House of Representatives regarding the terrorist attacks launched 
    against the United States on September 11, 2001, and I ask 
    unanimous consent for its immediate consideration pursuant to the 
    following order:
        Debate on the joint resolution shall be limited to 3 hours 
    equally divided and controlled by the majority leader and the 
    minority leader;
        After opening speeches, the majority leader and the minority 
    leader each may yield the remainder of his time to the chairman and 
    ranking minority member of the Committee on International 
    Relations, respectively, who may control that time;
        The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the 
    joint resolution to final passage without intervening motion; and
        Following passage of the joint resolution and upon receipt of a 
    message

[[Page 215]]

    that the Senate has passed an identical joint resolution, the House 
    shall be considered to have passed the Senate joint resolution.
        The SPEAKER pro tempore.(2) The Clerk will report 
    the joint resolution.(3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. Ray LaHood (IL).
 3. Parliamentarian's Note: The last paragraph after the resolved 
        clause of the joint resolution contained a commemorative banned 
        under Rule XII clause 5 (House Rules and Manual Sec. 823 
        (2007)).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        The Clerk read as follows:

                                  H.J. Res. 61

            Whereas on 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, D.C.;
            Whereas thousands of innocent Americans were killed and 
        injured as a result of these attacks, including the passengers 
        and crew of the four aircraft, workers in the World Trade 
        Center and in the Pentagon, rescue workers, and bystanders;
            Whereas these attacks destroyed both towers of the World 
        Trade Center, as well as adjacent buildings, and seriously 
        damaged the Pentagon; and
            Whereas these attacks were by far the deadliest terrorist 
        attacks ever launched against the United States, and, by 
        targeting symbols of American strength and success, clearly 
        were intended to intimidate our Nation and weaken its resolve: 
        Now, therefore, be it
            Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
        United States of America in Congress assembled, That Congress--
            (1) condemns in the strongest possible terms the terrorists 
        who planned and carried out the September 11, 2001, attacks 
        against the United States, as well as their sponsors;
            (2) extends its deepest condolences to the victims of these 
        heinous and cowardly attacks, as well as to their families, 
        friends, and loved ones;
            (3) is certain that the people of the United States will 
        stand united as our Nation begins the process of recovering and 
        rebuilding in the aftermath of these tragic acts;
            (4) commends the heroic actions of the rescue workers, 
        volunteers, and State and local officials who responded to 
        these tragic events with courage, determination, and skill;
            (5) declares that these premeditated attacks struck not 
        only at the people of America, but also at the symbols and 
        structures of our economic and military strength, and that the 
        United States is entitled to respond under international law;
            (6) thanks those foreign leaders and individuals who have 
        expressed solidarity with the United States in the aftermath of 
        the attacks, and asks them to continue to stand with the United 
        States in the war against international terrorism;
            (7) commits to support increased resources in the war to 
        eradicate terrorism;
            (8) supports the determination of the President, in close 
        consultation with Congress, to bring to justice and punish the 
        perpetrators of these attacks as well as their sponsors; and
            (9) declares that September 12, 2001, shall be a National 
        Day of Unity and Mourning, and that when Congress adjourns 
        today, it stands adjourned out of respect to the victims of the 
        terrorist attacks.

                                {time}  1500

        The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. LaHood). Is there objection to the 
    request of the gentleman from Texas?

[[Page 216]]

        There was no objection.
        The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey) 
    and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Gephardt) each will control 90 
    minutes.
        The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey).
        Mr. ARMEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
    consume.
        Mr. Speaker, this is a time when we should choose our words 
    carefully and deliver them deliberately. . . .
        The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the passage of the 
    joint resolution.
        The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced 
    that the ayes appeared to have it.
        Mr. [Christopher H.] SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, on that 
    I demand the yeas and nays.
        The yeas and nays were ordered.
        The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were -- yeas 
    408, nays 0, not voting 22, as follows:

                              [Roll No. 338] . . .

        The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Simpson).(4) Pursuant 
    to the order of the House of earlier today, S.J. Res. 22 is passed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. Michael K. Simpson (ID).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Without objection, the motion to reconsider S.J. Res. 22 is 
    laid on the table, and H.J. Res. 61 is laid on the table.
        There was no objection. . . 
    .                          -------------------

           ADJOURNMENT OUT OF RESPECT TO VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACKS

        Mr. ARMEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that, 
    consistent with the language of the joint resolution just passed, 
    when the House adjourns on this legislative day, it stand adjourned 
    out of respect to the victims of the terrorist attacks.
        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of 
    the gentleman from Texas?
        There was no 
    objection.                          -------------------

                                  ADJOURNMENT

        Mr. ARMEY. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.
        The motion was agreed to.
        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the previous order of the 
    House, the House stands adjourned until 10 a.m. today out of 
    respect to the victims of the terrorist attacks.
        Accordingly (at 1 o'clock and 10 minutes a.m.) on Thursday, 
    September 13, 2001, (legislative day of Tuesday, September 11, 
    2001), under its previous order, the House adjourned until today, 
    September 13, 2001, at 10 a.m. out of respect to the victims of the 
    terrorist attacks.

Sec. 16.4 The House, by unanimous consent, considered and adopted a 
    concurrent resolution (unreferred) providing that the Congress 
    ``conduct a special meeting in Federal Hall in New York, New York'' 
    on Sept. 6, 2002, in remembrance of Sept. 11, 2001.

[[Page 217]]

    On July 25, 2002,(1) Rep. Dick Armey, of Texas, offered 
the following concurrent resolution:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 148 Cong. Rec. 14640-45, 107th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

         PROVIDING FOR A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CONGRESS IN NEW YORK, 
            NEW YORK ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2002 IN REMEMBRANCE OF 
                               SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

        Mr. ARMEY. Mr. Speaker, I offer a concurrent resolution (H. 
    Con. Res. 448) providing for representation by Congress at a 
    special meeting(2) in New York, New York on Friday, 
    September 6, 2002, in remembrance of the victims and the heroes of 
    September 11, 2001, in recognition of the courage and spirit of the 
    City of New York, and for other purposes, and I ask unanimous 
    consent for its immediate consideration in the House.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. This measure provided for a strictly ceremonial meeting and not an 
        actual session of the House (as was proposed by H. Con. Res. 
        249). In this sense, it resembled the ceremonial festivities 
        surrounding the bicentennial anniversary of the Constitution on 
        July 16, 1987, in Philadelphia. See Sec. 4.5, supra.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of 
    the gentleman from Texas?
        Mr. [Charles B.] RANGEL [of New York]. Mr. Speaker, reserving 
    the right to object, I will not object, but on behalf of the New 
    York delegation and the people of New York, I would like to thank 
    the leadership of the House of Representatives and that of the 
    other body for supporting this resolution that would allow a joint 
    session of the House and Senate to take place in the City of New 
    York . . . 
        Mr. ARMEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York for 
    yielding.
        It is a particular pleasure for me to now be finally able to 
    bring this resolution to the floor. The resolution, Mr. Speaker, 
    calls on the United States Congress to convene a ceremonial joint 
    meeting in New York City on Friday, September 6, 2002. The joint 
    commemorative meeting will be in remembrance of the thousands of 
    people killed and injured as well as the thousands more grieving 
    friends and families left after the terrorist attacks upon the 
    World Trade Center . . . 
        Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of 
    objection.
        The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. LaHood).(2) Is there 
    objection to the request of the gentleman from Texas?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. Ray LaHood (IL).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        There was no objection.
        The Clerk read the concurrent resolution, as follows:

                                H. Con. Res. 448

            Whereas on September 11, 2001, thousands of innocent people 
        were killed and injured in combined terrorist attacks involving 
        four hijacked airliners, the World Trade Center, and the 
        Pentagon;
            Whereas in the aftermath of the attacks, thousands more 
        were left grieving for beloved family and friends, livelihoods 
        were compromised, and businesses and property were damaged and 
        lost;
            Whereas the greatest loss of life, personal injury, and 
        physical destruction occurred in and was sustained by the City 
        of New York;

[[Page 218]]

            Whereas government and the American people responded 
        decisively, through the bravery, sacrifice and toil of the fire 
        and rescue workers, law enforcement, building trades, 
        caregivers, armed forces, and millions more who through their 
        many expressions of care and compassion brought forth comfort, 
        hope, and the promise of recovery;
            Whereas the City of New York attended to the aftermath of 
        the destruction of the World Trade Center with profound respect 
        for the victims and compassion to the survivors;
            Whereas the City of New York has invited the Congress to 
        meet at the site of the original Federal Hall, where the First 
        Congress of the United States convened on March 4, 1789; Now, 
        therefore be it
            Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
        concurring), That, in remembrance of the victims and the heroes 
        of September 11, 2001, and in recognition of the courage and 
        spirit of the City of New York, the Congress shall conduct a 
        special meeting in Federal Hall in New York, New York, on 
        September 6, 2002.
            The concurrent resolution was agreed to.
            A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

    The same day,(3) the following House concurrent 
resolution was offered:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. See 148 Cong. Rec. 14646, 107th Cong. 2d Sess., July 25, 2002.
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         PROVIDING FOR REPRESENTATION BY CONGRESS AT A SPECIAL MEETING 
               IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2002

        Mr. ARMEY. Mr. Speaker, I offer a concurrent resolution (H. 
    Con. Res. 449) providing for representation by Congress at a 
    special meeting in New York, New York on Friday, September 6, 2002, 
    and ask unanimous consent for its immediate consideration.
        The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of 
    the gentleman from Texas?
        There was no objection.
        The Clerk read the concurrent resolution, as follows:

                                H. Con. Res. 449

            Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
        concurring), That (a) The Speaker of the House of 
        Representatives (in consultation with the minority leader of 
        the House of Representatives), with respect to the House of 
        Representatives, and the President pro tempore of the Senate 
        (in consultation with the majority leader and the minority 
        leader of the Senate), with respect to the Senate, may send 
        such Representatives, Senators and other appropriate persons, 
        to a special meeting of Congress and related events to be held 
        on Friday, September 6, 2002 in New York, New York, in 
        remembrance of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and 
        in recognition of the City of New York for the harm it 
        sustained and its recovery.
            (b) Attendees under subsection (a) shall be led by the 
        Speaker and the minority leader of the House of 
        Representatives, and by the President pro tempore (or his 
        designee), majority leader, and the minority leader of the 
        Senate.
            Sec. 2. The Congress may accept the offer of the City of 
        New York and entities controlled by the City of New York to 
        host and pay the expenses of the Congress to prepare, attend, 
        and participate in the special meeting of September 6, 2002, 
        and related events of that day, referred to in Section 1.

[[Page 219]]

            Sec. 3. On behalf of the Congress, the officers of the 
        House of Representatives and the officers of the Senate may 
        make arrangements with the City of New York and other required 
        entities and agencies for participation by the Congress for the 
        purposes designated under this resolution.

        The concurrent resolution was agreed to.
        A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

    On Sept. 9, 2002,(4) the proceedings of the special 
ceremonial meeting of Congress in Federal Hall in New York were printed 
in the Congressional Record as follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. See 148 Cong. Rec. 16352-57, 107th Cong. 2d Sess.
            On Oct. 10, 2002, the House also agreed to H. Con. Res. 
        487, authorizing the printing of a volume of transcripts of the 
        New York City meeting and statements of the Sept. 11 terrorist 
        attacks. See Id. at p. 20366.
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        PRINTING OF PROCEEDINGS OF SPECIAL CEREMONIAL MEETING OF UNITED 
         STATES CONGRESS HELD IN FEDERAL HALL, NEW YORK, NEW YORK, ON 
                               SEPTEMBER 6, 2002

        Mr. [Dick] ARMEY [of Texas]. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous 
    consent that proceedings of the special ceremonial meeting of the 
    United States Congress held in Federal Hall, New York, New York, on 
    Sept. 6, 2002, be printed in the Record, and that all Members have 
    5 legislative days to insert their remarks on the topic of the 
    ceremonial meeting.
        The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Isakson).(5) Is there 
    objection to the request of the gentleman from Texas?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 5. Johnny Isakson (GA).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        There was no 
    objection.                          -------------------

           COMMEMORATIVE JOINT MEETING OF THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED 
         STATES IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE VICTIMS AND HEROES OF SEPTEMBER 
         11, 2001, AND IN RECOGNITION OF THE COURAGE AND SPIRIT OF THE 
        CITY OF NEW YORK, FEDERAL HALL, NEW YORK, NY, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 
                                    6, 2002

        The SPEAKER. The special ceremonial meeting will be in order.
        The invocation will be given by the Reverend Daniel P. 
    Coughlin, Chaplain of the House of Representatives.
        The Chaplain of the House of Representatives, the Reverend 
    Daniel P. Coughlin, offered the following invocation: . . .

                              pledge of allegiance

        The SPEAKER. The Chair recognizes the Honorable Jerrold Nadler, 
    Representative from New York, and the Honorable Harry Reid, Senator 
    from Nevada, to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag. . 
    . .
        The SPEAKER. Our National Anthem will now be sung by LaChanze. 
    . . .
        The SPEAKER. My colleagues, we are here in Federal Hall in New 
    York, New York, pursuant to House Concurrent Resolution 448 of the 
    107th Congress to conduct a special ceremonial meeting in 
    remembrance of the victims

[[Page 220]]

    and the heroes of September 11, 2001, and in recognition of the 
    courage and the spirit of the City of New York.
        When representatives of the New York delegation introduced in 
    the House and the Senate in 2001 Concurrent Resolutions that 
    suggested that the Congress convene outside the seat of government 
    to symbolize the Nation's solidarity with New Yorkers who epitomize 
    the human spirit of courage, resilience and strength, my initial 
    reaction of support was tempered by the realization that under 
    article 1, section 5, clause 4 of the Constitution, ``Neither House 
    shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn to any other place 
    than that in which the two houses shall be sitting.''
        There is no precedent for the convening of an actual session of 
    Congress outside the seat of government, but on one special 
    occasion the Congress has engaged in ceremonial functions outside 
    the seat of government. Members of both houses traveled to 
    Philadelphia on July 16, 1987, for organized festivities 
    surrounding the bicentennial anniversary of the Constitution 
    pursuant to a similar Concurrent Resolution.
        On the strength of the precedent of the uniquely historical and 
    national significance of that occasion, it is appropriate to 
    dedicate another ceremonial gathering to a matter of transcendent 
    importance at another place of basic institutional relevance to the 
    Congress.
        Thus, we are gathered in Federal Hall where the First Congress 
    met in 1789 before moving the third session of that Congress to 
    Congress Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1790.
        Ladies and gentlemen, we are, therefore, meeting here under 
    that precedent.
        The Chair recognizes the Honorable Richard B. Cheney, the Vice 
    President of the United States and President of the United States 
    Senate.
        (Applause.)
        Vice President CHENEY. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Each time 
    Congress meets, we are mindful of the great charge that we have all 
    been given as public servants. Assembled today in Federal Hall we 
    are reminded of the ones who served before us and those who served 
    first. It is a humbling experience to stand on the site where the 
    First Congress met, where the first President was sworn, where the 
    Bill of Rights was introduced. . . .
        The SPEAKER. The Clerk of the House of Representatives has laid 
    upon the desk the list of representatives in attendance.
        Vice President CHENEY. The Secretary of the Senate has laid 
    upon the desk the list of Senators in attendance.
        The list of Representatives and Senators in attendance is as 
    follows: . . .
        The SPEAKER. The Chair recognizes the Honorable Benjamin Gilman 
    and the Honorable Charles Rangel, Representatives from New York, 
    and the Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton and the Honorable Charles 
    Schumer, Senators from New York, in a reading and presentation of 
    House Concurrent Resolution 448.

          reading and presentation of house concurrent resolution 448

        Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, leaders of the 
    House and the Senate, on behalf of Ben Gilman, Senator Schumer and 
    Senator Clinton, and the entire New York congressional delegation, 
    we would like to

[[Page 221]]

    thank you for your support of this resolution that gives us in New 
    York an opportunity to say thank you for the way you responded to 
    the attack on our city and our State.
        You give our mayor and our governor an opportunity to be here 
    on this historic event to say you did not treat us like New 
    Yorkers, you treated us like Americans.
        The text of the Concurrent Resolution was read as follows:
        Mr. RANGEL. ``Whereas on September the 11, 2001, thousands of 
    innocent people were killed and injured in a combined terrorist 
    attack involving four hijacked aircraft, the World Trade Center, 
    and the Pentagon;
        ``Whereas in the aftermath of the attacks, thousands more were 
    left grieving for beloved family and friends, livelihoods were 
    compromised, and businesses and property were damaged and lost;''
        Mr. [Benjamin A.] GILMAN [of New York]. ``Whereas the greatest 
    loss of life, personal injury, and physical destruction occurred in 
    and was sustained by the City of New York;
        ``Whereas Government and the American people responded 
    decisively through the bravery, sacrifice and toil of the fire and 
    rescue workers, law enforcement, building trades, caregivers, Armed 
    Forces, and millions more who through their many expressions of 
    care and compassion brought forth comfort, hope, and the promise of 
    recovery;''
        Senator [Hillary Rodham] CLINTON [of New York]. ``Whereas the 
    City of New York attended to the aftermath of the destruction of 
    the World Trade Center with profound respect for the victims and 
    compassion to the survivors; and
        ``Whereas the City of New York has invited the Congress to meet 
    at the site of the original Federal Hall, where the First Congress 
    of the United States convened on March 4, 1789: Now, therefore, be 
    it''
        Senator [Charles E.] SCHUMER [of New York]. ``Resolved by the 
    House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That, in 
    remembrance of the victims and the heroes of September 11, 2001, 
    and in recognition of the courage and spirit of the City of New 
    York, the Congress shall conduct a special meeting in Federal Hall, 
    New York, New York, on September 6, 2002.
        Passed by the House of Representatives, July 25, 2002.
        Passed by the Senate, July 26, 2002.''
        (Applause.)
        The SPEAKER. Without objection, the Members present, on behalf 
    of themselves and the Congress of the United States, do hereby 
    affirm the aforesaid Concurrent Resolution.
        Would Mayor Bloomberg and Governor Pataki please come forward 
    and accept the Concurrent Resolution.
        Mayor Bloomberg and Governor Pataki of New York accepted the 
    Concurrent Resolution.
        (Applause.)
        The SPEAKER. The Chair recognizes the Honorable Vito Fossella, 
    Representative from New York, and the Honorable Susan Collins, 
    Senator from Maine, in a reading and presentation of the 
    commemorative plaque.

                reading and presentation of commemorative plague

        Senator COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, on behalf of 
    the United

[[Page 222]]

    States Congress, we present this commemorative plaque to Director 
    Mainella for her stewardship of our Nation's treasures, especially 
    this building, Federal Hall.
        The plaque is inscribed as follows:
        ``Commemorative Joint Meeting of the Congress of the United 
    States of America in Federal Hall, New York, New York, this Sixth 
    Day of September, Two Thousand and Two.''
        Mr. FOSSELLA. ``Convened in remembrance of the victims and 
    heroes of September 11, 2001, and in recognition of the courage and 
    spirit of the City of New York.
        ``This gift to Federal Hall from the Congress of the United 
    States of America was made from a section of Aquia Creek, Virginia, 
    sandstone and used as an original building material of the United 
    States Capitol. It was removed on the East Central Front extension 
    in 1958.''
        The SPEAKER. Director Mainella, please come forward and accept 
    the commemorative plaque.
        Director Mainella accepted the commemorative plaque.
        (Applause.)
        The SPEAKER. Billy Collins, Poet Laureate of the United States 
    of America, will now read a poem written for this occasion entitled 
    ``The Names.''

          reading of ``the names'' by billy collins, poet laureate of 
                               the united states

        Mr. COLLINS. This poem is dedicated to the victims of September 
    11, and to their survivors. . . .
        The SPEAKER. The Chair now recognizes the Honorable Richard 
    Gephardt, Representative from Missouri and Democratic Leader of the 
    United States House of Representatives.
        Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, and my fellow 
    colleagues of the United States Congress, today we speak of the 
    unspeakable, we remember the unimaginable, and we reaffirm our 
    utmost resolve to defend the birthright of this land and our gift 
    outright to this world: Ideals of liberty and tolerance that will 
    never die.  . . .
        Vice President CHENEY.(6) The Chair now recognizes 
    the Honorable Trent Lott, the Senator from Mississippi and the 
    Republican Leader of the United States Senate.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 6. Richard B. Cheney (WY).
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        Senator LOTT. Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the 
    Congress, and distinguished guests, on behalf of the Senate and a 
    united Congress, it is truly an honor to stand in this place in 
    this city, New York City, today. . . .
        We are here to remember and to continue to mourn those that 
    lost their lives, those innocent men, women, and children that were 
    killed in that horrible event, September 11, a year ago.
        Vice President CHENEY. The Chair now recognizes the Honorable 
    Tom Daschle, the Senator from South Dakota and Majority Leader of 
    the United States Senate.
        Senator DASCHLE. Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, distinguished 
    visitors and my colleagues, the United States Congress has come 
    here to commemorate a shattering experience. One that has 
    transformed America. . . .
        Thank you.
        (Applause.)
        The SPEAKER. We are gathered here today in this ceremonial 
    session

[[Page 223]]

    to pay tribute to the people of New York and to the people of New 
    York City who have suffered great loss, but persevered in the face 
    of adversity. In doing so, we pay tribute to the American spirit.
        It is altogether appropriate that we meet here today in Federal 
    Hall. After all, it was here that the First Congress met to ratify 
    the Bill of Rights and to inaugurate our first President of the 
    United States, George Washington.
        As in 1789, when ordinary Americans did extraordinary things to 
    create a new Nation conceived in liberty and dedication to freedom, 
    on September 11, ordinary Americans exhibited extraordinary courage 
    in fighting a horrific evil. . . .
        We elected Members of the 107th Congress, like those Members 
    gathered in this location of the First Congress, simply reflect the 
    desires of a people who cherish liberty and are willing to fight 
    for freedom.
        Let us always remember those we lost on September 11, and may 
    God continue to bless America.
        Thank you.
        (Applause.)

         ``god bless america'' sung by chamber choir, stuyvesant high 
                             school, new york city.

        The SPEAKER. The Stuyvesant High School Chamber Choir will now 
    sing ``God Bless America.''
        The Chamber Choir, Stuyvesant High School, sang ``God Bless 
    America.''
        (Applause.)
        The Members and guests sang ``God Bless America.''
        The SPEAKER. Ladies and gentlemen of the House and the Senate, 
    this concludes the special ceremonial meeting of the Congress. 
    Members are asked to remain in their seats and make their exit with 
    the colors.
        The Chair will assure that the record of these proceedings will 
    be printed in the Congressional Record.
        The proceedings are closed.
        The Colors were retired by the Color Guard composed of members 
    of the New York City Fire Department, New York City Police 
    Department, New York State Unified Court System Officers, Port 
    Authority of New York and New Jersey Police, and the United States 
    Capitol Police.
        [Whereupon, the Commemorative Joint Meeting of the Congress was 
    adjourned.](6)
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 6. See Sec. 4.5, supra, for the first instance in which Congress 
        engaged in a ceremonial function outside the seat of 
        government.
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