    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book I)]
    [January 23, 2002]
    [Pages 107-108]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Signing the Victims of Terrorism Tax Relief Act of 2001
    January 23, 2002

        Thanks for coming. Please be seated. Thank you all very much. We've
    come together today to remember and recognize victims of terrorism and
    to sign a piece of legislation that will provide a tangible measure of
    support for their families.
        The Victims of Terrorism Tax Relief Act will provide some tax relief
    to families of those killed in the attacks on September the 11th, the
    anthrax attacks after September the 11th, and the Oklahoma City bombing.
    This is a small gesture compared to the overwhelming generosity of the
    American people in times of tragedy. Yet this will help to extend that
    generosity because it exempts payments from charities to victims'
    families from Federal taxes. This legislation is a bipartisan symbol of
    the Federal Government's concern for families who suffered such great
    loss.
        I want to thank the Members of Congress who are here. I particularly
    want to thank those who worked on the bill: Senator
    Torricelli of New Jersey; Senators
    Schumer and Clinton of New York--and by the way, welcome back to the White
    House--Senator Nickles of Oklahoma; Senators
    Allen and Warner of
    Virginia; Senator Baucus of Montana; Congressman
    Rangel of New York; Congressman
    Fossella of New York; Congressman
    Thomas of California, who couldn't be
    here; and all the other Members, both Republicans and Democrats. Welcome
    back to town, and welcome to the White House.
        We're joined today by families who have lost loved ones in the great
    acts of evil. As you draw on faith and personal strength to cope with
    your grief, I hope you'll also find comfort in the knowledge that your

    [[Page 108]]

    Nation stands with you and prays for you. We mourn those whom we've
    lost, and we face the future together.
        In times like these, we realize both the purpose and the limitations
    of Government. The Government cannot take away your pain and sorrow, but
    it can bring the killers to justice. It can devote its energy and
    resources to try to prevent other families from experiencing what you're
    going through and can help remove some of the financial obligations it
    imposes to ease your burdens.
        The Oklahoma City bombing was a terrible crime, and justice was
    done. And I can assure each of you that justice will be done to all
    those who are responsible for the evil acts of September the 11th.
        We've already driven the Taliban from power in Afghanistan, and
    we're helping a new government take its place. We've infiltrated Al
    Qaida caves. We destroyed their camps. We will continue to destroy their
    bunkers and their hideaways. We've put them on the run, and we'll hunt
    them down, wherever they try to hide, and bring them to justice.
        As we wage the war on terrorism abroad, we will also comfort
    families deeply hurt by terrorism here at home. The Members of the
    United States Congress who came together to pass this bill I'll sign
    today had one goal in mind: to help ease your financial burdens as you
    struggle to cope with the loss of your loved ones.
        Many families lost their primary wage earners in the attack on the
    Murrah Federal Building, in the attacks of September the 11th, and in
    the anthrax attacks after September the 11th. This financial strain
    deepens the emotional and psychological impact of the initial tragedies.
    The legislation passed by Congress will relieve the tax burden on
    families who have lost loved ones. Under this law, the Federal
    Government will collect no income taxes on wages earned by terrorism
    victims in the year of their death or in the preceding year.
        Families of victims killed in the Oklahoma City bombing will receive
    a tax refund on behalf of their relatives. Some death benefits paid by
    employers will be exempt from Federal taxation. Lower State tax rates
    will apply to victims of terrorist attacks as well as to members of the
    armed services who have been killed in combat zones. And to help insure
    that families receive as much relief as possible from charitable
    organizations, payments from charitable organizations to victims'
    families will be exempt from Federal taxation.
        The Victims of Terrorism Tax Relief Act is an important example of
    our national unity and resolve, and it's my honor to sign it today.
        God bless.

    Note: The President spoke at 3:18 p.m. in the East Room at the White
    House. H.R. 2884, approved January 23, was assigned Public Law No. 107-
    134.