[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 37 (Monday, September 17, 2001)]
[Page 1302]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks Following a Meeting With the National Security Team

September 12, 2001

    I have just completed a meeting with our national security team, and 
we have received the latest intelligence updates.
    The deliberate and deadly attacks which were carried out yesterday 
against our country were more than acts of terror. They were acts of 
war. This will require our country to unite in steadfast determination 
and resolve. Freedom and democracy are under attack.
    The American people need to know we're facing a different enemy than 
we have ever faced. This enemy hides in shadows and has no regard for 
human life. This is an enemy who preys on innocent and unsuspecting 
people, then runs for cover. But it won't be able to run for cover 
forever. This is an enemy that tries to hide, but it won't be able to 
hide forever. This is an enemy that thinks its harbors are safe, but 
they won't be safe forever.
    This enemy attacked not just our people but all freedom-loving 
people everywhere in the world. The United States of America will use 
all our resources to conquer this enemy. We will rally the world. We 
will be patient; we will be focused; and we will be steadfast in our 
determination.
    This battle will take time and resolve. But make no mistake about 
it: We will win.
    The Federal Government and all our agencies are conducting business, 
but it is not business as usual. We are operating on heightened security 
alert. America is going forward, and as we do so, we must remain keenly 
aware of the threats to our country. Those in authority should take 
appropriate precautions to protect our citizens.
    But we will not allow this enemy to win the war by changing our way 
of life or restricting our freedoms. This morning I am sending to 
Congress a request for emergency funding authority so that we are 
prepared to spend whatever it takes to rescue victims, to help the 
citizens of New York City and Washington, DC, respond to this tragedy, 
and to protect our national security.
    I want to thank the Members of Congress for their unity and support. 
America is united. The freedom-loving nations of the world stand by our 
side. This will be a monumental struggle of good versus evil, but good 
will prevail.
    Thank you very much.

Note: The President spoke at 10:53 a.m. in the Cabinet Room at the White 
House.