Expressing the Sense of the House of Representatives Regarding the Terrorist Attacks Launched Against the United States on September 11, 2001

Floor Speech

EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REGARDING THE TERRORIST ATTACKS LAUNCHED AGAINST THE UNITED STATES ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 18, 2008)

SPEECH OF
HON. CHRISTOPHER S. MURPHY
OF CONNECTICUT
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2008

* 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 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.

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