Honor Those Who Perished at 9/11 by Confronting New Generation of Terrorists

Press Release

On September 8, 2015, the House Homeland Security Committee held the first-ever Congressional hearing at the 9/11 Memorial Museum. Commemorating the week of the 14th Anniversary of 9/11, the hearing focused on our country's readiness to confront the viral spread of terror. The hearing also explored the resolve of our 9/11 heroes who taught us about prevailing against those who seek to do America harm.

The hearing included testimony from former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton, FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro, President of the September 11th Families' Association Lee Ielpi, and President of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives Gregory A Thomas.

Committee Chairman Michael McCaul opened the hearing. "We have made progress since 9/11," he explained, "But our enemies have come a long way, too…Gone are the days of Bin Laden, when extremists relied on couriers and caves to hatch their plots. Today's terrorists are openly recruiting online, across borders, and at broadband speed."

Last year was the "deadliest year on record for global terrorism," he continued, noting terrorists' ability to "inspire new recruits online, tweet marching orders, and wait for fanatics to act."

"We are in unchartered territory," he said. "Even at its height, al-Qaida never reached this kind of operational tempo."

Mayor Giuliani recounted his experiences on that fateful day and explained that the United States must use 9/11's lessons to remain vigilant. "[We are] in a museum about a war that is still going on," he explained.

NYPD Commissioner Bratton explained that while New York is safer overall, the terror threat is surging. "In many respects, we currently face a greater likelihood of attack than we have seen in years," the police commissioner said. "With regard to crime, we just experienced the safest summer in 25 years, with murders and shootings at modern lows. But with regard to the current terrorism threat environment, we now face multiple hazards: "known wolves and lone wolves.'"

This hearing served as a reminder that we must be vigilant and adapt to the new generation of terrorists. The column that stands proudly in Foundation Hall at the 9/11 Memorial Museum represents the final debris removed from the World Trade Center site. Those who cleared the rubble inscribed it with names, stories and phots of victims who perished. It stands today as a symbol of patriotism, remembrance, and resilience. As we navigate forward in a post 9/11 world, we will honor those who perished that day on that hallowed ground by continuing to fight the same Islamist Extremist ideology that was behind the attacks on that fateful day and continuing to support those charged with protecting our communities and citizens.

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