To authorize the establishment of a memorial to victims who died as a result of terrorist acts against the United States or its people, at home or abroad.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from California (Chairman Pombo) for his outstanding leadership on this very important piece of legislation, H.R. 911, creating a national memorial to the victims of terrorism. I also want to thank the subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from California (Mr. Radanovich) for his help and work on this bill, which we have been involved in for the past 2 years. I also want to thank the ranking minority member of the full committee, the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall) and the ranking member of the subcommittee, the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Mrs. Christensen) for their work.

This bill originated shortly after September 11 of 2001 and, in the past Congress, was cosponsored by the chairman of the Committee on Resources, the then chairman, Jim Hansen, who retired and who worked very hard in putting together the initial version of this bill. So I am very grateful for the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo) and the other Members who have supported this concept and have worked to make this bill one that we believe will be successful, one that will pay tribute and memorialize the victims of terrorism.

We have had over 218 Members of the House join in cosponsoring this bill. The occasion of September 11 always reminds us of the tragic events of 2 years ago. On that day, the attacks took thousands of innocent lives and changed the history of our Nation and of our world. Although it has been 2 years, the terrible images of that day, the pictures of the towers and flames, the horrors of the onlookers in lower Manhattan, the workers who rushed into the Pentagon to help save their colleagues, the determined faces of firefighters at Ground Zero and at the crash site in Pennsylvania all remain vividly in our memories. We can still feel the emotions of that day, our feelings of horror, anger, grief, and, most importantly, our commitment to ensure that this would never, ever happen again.

We know now that September 11 of 2001 was the beginning of what we might call a new world order. No longer would military might alone protect us. We know today that our world has grown smaller, and that our security is threatened not only by nations, but also by a small band of dedicated terrorists who hide in the shadows and who willingly use suicide missions to kill thousands of innocent victims. The savage attacks of September 11 made clear to all that war had been declared against America by a cruel and calculating foe, one that seeks to destroy this Nation, to take away our freedoms and liberties that form the bedrock of our great society.

Never before have so many Americans been killed on our own soil in a single day. The terrorists took the lives of over 3,000, fathers and mothers, husbands and wives, sons and daughters, citizens of America, and 80 other countries around the world. Since then, Americans have come together as a Nation to remember those who lost their lives and to pledge our unwavering resolve to win the war on terrorism, whatever the cost, and whatever the length of the battle.

As part of our commitment to defeat terrorism in all of its forms and to never forget the precious lives that have been lost throughout these years, this legislation, H.R. 911, would authorize the establishment of a national memorial to all victims of terrorist acts against the United States, including those who lost their lives on that fateful day 2 years ago.

The national memorial created in this bill would not only be dedicated to the memory of the victims who lost their lives at the hands of terrorists; it would be a living memorial where future generations of young Americans will come to learn about the challenges America faced when confronted by an enemy that knew no national boundaries and that used unconventional methods, including suicide attacks, to spread fear, death, and destruction.

It is my hope that this memorial will chart America's journey in the war against worldwide terrorism and will someday show the world how freedom, liberty, and justice overcame oppression, cowardice, and fanaticism.

This legislation creates a 13-member advisory board appointed by the President, the Speaker of the House, and President pro tempore of the Senate, and includes representatives from organizations dedicated to assisting the victims of terrorism. This advisory board will guide the design, the location, and will provide the leadership in raising the private funds necessary for the establishment and maintenance of the memorial. In accordance with the Commemorative Works Act, the advisory board will consult with the appropriate commissions regarding site selection and design.

When the House Committee on Resources first held a hearing on this bill last year, each of us were deeply moved by the stories of several Americans whose lives were permanently changed on September 11. Among our witnesses were Lisa Beamer, whose husband Todd was among the heroes of Flight 93. Todd was the young American who said, ``let's roll.'' Another of our witnesses was a staff member, a then staff member of the Committee on Resources, Liz Howell, whose husband was killed at the Pentagon. We also heard on that day from Joe Finley, a New York firefighter, who lost many friends in the World Trade Center and who worked in the rescue efforts at Ground Zero. Finally, we heard from Lieutenant Colonel Ted Anderson, who personally pulled victims from the burning Pentagon.

All of these spoke of the need for a national memorial to the victims of terrorism in the District of Columbia. The stories of these individuals remind us of the tragedy, the sacrifice, the heroism that marked that day. Each of them represents the spirit of the bravery and patriotism that arose in America's darkest hour. Each of them expressed in a very personal way the meaning that a national memorial would have to them.

Liz Howell so eloquently stated, ``I believe a national monument to terrorism would become a hallowed place for the people of this generation to remember and grieve. Perhaps even more importantly, it would teach future generations about the heroism, sacrifice, and patriotism that surrounded the deaths of people who died simply for being Americans.''

Lisa Beamer in her testimony said, ``It is my hope and expectation that the Memorial to Victims of Terrorism will motivate current and future generations to always be vigilant in protecting us from evil and always be practicing for great acts of heroism. If these lessons of September 11 are learned and remembered, the deaths of our loved ones will not be in vain.''

Lt. Colonel Ted Anderson who rushed into the Pentagon on that fateful day, put it this way, ``This is about a memorial to those who have fallen already and it is about a physical symbol of our unified commitment to persevere, prevail, and to preserve the sanctity of our endeavor and freedom and peace for our open people and for those who choose to join us.''

Mr. Speaker, it is indeed altogether fitting and proper that we remember and honor all victims of terrorism here in our Nation's capital. This memorial will mark the time in the course of our Nation's history when freedom and the respect for the dignity of man overcame prejudice, hate, and evil. It will stand for the time in our Nation's history when our country stood tall, persevered, and defended peace and civility for all mankind.

I know every Member of this House will join in adoption of H.R. 911.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the distinguished gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

(Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I again want to thank Chairman Pombo for his leadership on this legislation along with the gentleman from California (Mr. Radanovich) as well as their Democratic counterparts, the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall) and the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Mrs. Christensen). They have done an outstanding job in helping us put this bill together along with the 218 cosponsors who joined us.

Also, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the staff who worked on this bill over the last 2 years to be sure that it was in the proper form to accomplish our objective. On the majority side, Rob Howarth did an excellent job working on this bill, David Watson on the minority staff as well, and Trent Ashby and Amy Valentine on my staff. And we appreciate their good work.

Mr. Speaker, I would urge the House to adopt H.R. 911, legislation creating a national memorial to the victims of terrorism.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1538, ``The True American Heroes Act'' and H.R. 911 to create a ``Memorial for Victims of Terrorism.'' Enacting both of these important bills today is a fitting tribute to the victims of the terrorist attacks launched against the United States two years ago this morning.

The September 11 attacks were devastating, but our Nation was never weakened. The attacks were perpetrated because of the terrorists' hatred of the American values of liberty, democracy and equality. Hundreds of the victims were parents working hard every day and praying for better futures filled with love and hope for their children. Some victims were young children on their first airplane flight. Others were sons and daughters, the pride of their families, making it on their own in New York City. Twenty were U.S. soldiers, thirty-three were sailors, sixty-one were federal civilian employees, and nine were Army and Navy contractors beginning their morning at the Pentagon, and all of them were living the American dream. Ordinary Americans were transformed into heroes as the two jets brought down the World Trade Center, when the third tore into the Pentagon, and when the fourth was thrust into a Pennsylvania field. Two years from September 11, we remember and honor those brave Americans, their sacrifice, and we promise to never forget them.

Our nation has remained robust because our strength derives not from tall skyscrapers or fleets of airliners, but because America is defined more by its values than borders, and is defined less by our past than by our promise. Rarely have those values of democracy and freedom been more clearly demonstrated in our country's short history than on September 11, 2001. As the gravest moments arrived, many ordinary citizens fueled by instinct, courage and grace, rushed toward the flaming buildings in order to rescue their fellow Americans or to overwhelm terrorist-controlled cockpits in order to defeat their destructive plans.

Every community was shocked and scarred by these catastrophes. My hometown of Chicago suffered the loss of five women, who left their friends and family bereft. But more than shock or horror, generosity, strength and selflessness characterized Chicago's response. Although my city is a thousand miles away from New York, Chicagoans rushed to assist New Yorkers, Pentagon workers, and rural Pennsylvanians and support them as our neighbors. Whether they were Chicago firefighters hurrying to Ground Zero or school children writing letters to comfort their fellow pupils in New York, Chicago responded with its renowned heart and generosity. And so did every community across the country.

Mr. Speaker, we observe September 11 not only to recognize the lives cut short by hatred, but also to honor the genuine American heroes. These many men and women include firefighters, police officers, paramedics, emergency technicians, and all rescue workers who cast aside concern for their own safety to rush to save the lives of other Americans in harm's way. Their bravery and commitment serve as shining examples of why they remain role models that our children emulate.

We must also pause today to honor the sacrifices and continuing heroism of our courageous service men and women who left family and friends in order to defend our nation in the global war against terror. U.S. troops are fighting, sacrificing and serving extended tours of duty so that the men, women and children of Afghanistan, Iraq and other nations suffering under the heavy burden of tyranny and terror may share the freedom and inalienable human rights that Americans enjoy. We owe them our resolve to defeat terrorism, and to ensure that here at home leaders are charting the proper course.

Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate to reflect today on how we as a nation can better demonstrate American values. As we nurture burgeoning democracies beyond foreign shores, we must also align our priorities with human rights and with freedom here at home. Let those left behind pay tribute to those who died by reaffirming our commitment as a nation to freedom and defense of human dignity, and in so doing keep our nation strong. To that end, I strongly support this legislation creating a memorial for the victims of terrorism, and ensuring that our public safety workers have all the resources that they need to do their jobs continuing to prepare and protect America.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to the order of the House of September 10, 2003, I call up the bill (H.R. 911) to authorize the establishment of a memorial to victims who died as a result of terrorist acts against the United States or its people, at home or abroad, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, 2 years ago today, America experienced an unimaginable act of terrorism that resulted in over 3,000 innocent people being taken from their families, including over 300 brave firefighters and 60 police officers from New York City, and over 40 military personnel at the Pentagon. The attacks of 9/11 changed America forever. While it renewed our sense of patriotism, it also challenged Americans to accept new limitations in their lives.

While our Nation has certainly experienced tragedies in the past, the events of 9/11 affected the soul of this Nation and have transformed how millions of Americans live their lives. America has entered a new era following the events of September 11, 2001, an age where peace and personal security at home is no longer taken for granted. Americans, unfortunately, have been victims of terrorism in the past.

These are just a few of a long list of examples:

The assassination of Cleo Noel, U.S. Ambassador to Sudan in 1973; 63 Americans killed at the bombing of U.S. barracks in Lebanon in 1983; an American serviceman killed during the hijacking of TWA Flight 847 in Lebanon in 1985; wheelchair-bound Leo Klinghoffer was murdered aboard the Achille Lauro in 1985; 259 Americans were killed aboard Pan Am Flight 103 over Scotland in 1988; six people killed in the bombing of the World Trade Center garage in 1993; 19 Americans killed in the bombing of the Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia in 1996; 247 people killed in the bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, and 10 people killed in the bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania in 1998; 17 sailors killed in the attack on the USS Cole in Yemen in October 2000.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 911, the National Memorial to Victims of Terrorism Act, would authorize the creation of a living national memorial in our Nation's Capital to all of the victims, past, present and, unfortunately, future, killed in terrorist attacks against the United States or its people, including those killed in the horrific September 11 attacks.

The bill would authorize the creation of an advisory board whose members would be appointed by the President, the Speaker of the House, and the majority leader. The board would be responsible for raising all necessary funds to design, construct, and maintain the memorial. Today, we have an opportunity to acknowledge the thousands of victims whose lives have been lost through acts of terrorism in our history by establishing this memorial in their honor.

While we cannot completely repair the damage that has been done by terrorists that hate liberty and freedom, we can provide some assurance that their memories will not be lost.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 911, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Turner) for his perseverance in moving this bill through the process. This has been a long time in coming. It is a bill that has passed the House previously. I look forward to this bill being enacted and being signed into law. And I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

I yield to the gentleman from Michigan.

Request to Add Member as Cosponsor

Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, I would just urge my colleagues for an aye vote on the legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from New Jersey thanks the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo), the chairman of the Committee on Resources, for yielding to me; and I thank him for his vision of this national memorial. I congratulate the gentleman because in coming from the New York-New Jersey region, we particularly salute him for helping us remember so many people who lost loved ones.

Mr. Speaker, today we reflect on the event of September 11, 2001, and express our deep sorrow, grief, and heartache for the victims of that tragic day and pledge never to forget them. There were about 700 New Jerseyans who were lost in those attacks and many more from New York State, other States and from other nations, as well as we remember today the lives lost at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania.

In the face of terrorist attacks, we witnessed the remarkable bravery of EMS and first aid men and women, firefighters and police officers, including many from my State who were first on the scene, who selflessly raced into the heavily damaged World Trade Center towers to aid and rescue those in need. It was not until later that we learned that so many of them never made it out. Today we will remember their bravery and pay our respects to their families.

Like so many of us, I was touched by many heartbreaking stories and pleas from families, but one encounter I had continues to resonate with me and remind me of the tragedy of that day. On a cold, blustery, early morning in October of last year, a man walked up to me at a train station and said, ``Congressman, I am angry.'' My first thought was that he did not agree with one of my votes in Congress or he did not like the outcome of a constituent case matter that we had tried to help him with. But then he said, ``I lost my brother in the World Trade Center on September 11 and I want you to be angry too. I want you to never stop being angry.''

Before leaving the train station that morning and having heard this man's plea, I walked over to a tree planted in memory of the victims of September 11, many of whom came from that small town. There was a plaque in part that read under the tree and I quote, ``We shall never forget our friends and neighbors who rode the rails with us that morning but did not return with us that night.''

We will forever remember the victims who died at the hands of such evil men on that day. And I think we can also promise that we will never stop being angry over the attacks on our country, and this memorial proposal by the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo) and the ranking member and his committee may help in that regard.

Ensuring the safety and security of our Nation and my State is my duty. To protect our communities and neighborhoods, we are continuing to implement a variety of strategies for homeland security. That includes full and unfledged support for our police officers, firefighters and first aiders, defense against bioterrorism, security at our ports, harbor crossings, railroads and road networks, and new procedures and standards for preparing and standards when responding to emergencies.

Along with President Bush, I can assure you that the government at every level is responding to terrorist threats, working to track down every lead, and standing watch 24 hours a day against terrorism. We remain resolved and vigilant in our efforts. We know that our work will not be done until every American is free from fear of future terrorist attacks. This memorial, this excellent proposal, this excellent vision will be a living one as has been said, such that we will never forget.

Mr. Speaker, we learn from the Bible in Romans 12:21, ``Be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.'' In the a.m. hours of September 11, 2001, a great evil befell America. Around 3000 lives were lost and over 281 million American felt the pain of their passing. Two years later we still feel that loss.

Victims of this terrible tragedy came from all across this country, including Dr. Paul Ambrose of my home state of West Virginia, a talented and public-spirited young physician, was on the airplane that the terrorists crashed into the Pentagon.

The two grand towers of New York City, the symbol of our Nation's strength here in Washington, DC, a field in Southern Pennsylvania, and America itself was struck a mighty blow two years ago, but on that day, the enduring spirit of the United States of America overcame evil with the human goodness and love of their fellow man and woman.

In the aftermath of the attacks, Americans across our great land, including my home State of West Virginia, volunteered their services. Policemen, firemen, doctors, nurses, steelworkers, construction crews, plumbers, electricians, engineers, including members IOUE's National Hazardous Materials Program based in Beaver, West Virginia. Don Carson, the program's director, and a team of workers from the Beaver facility were among the first out-of-state workers to arrive at Ground Zero immediately after the September 11th terrorist attacks. They and many more giving individuals put their lives on hold to help in the search for the lives of others and to assist in the immense job of rebuilding New York, Washington, DC, Pennsylvania, and the rest of America.

But, there was one thing they did not have to rebuild and that was America's resolve. Never had its presence been stronger. We suffered the worst attack on our own soil against civilians that this country has ever experienced, and though the number of lives lost was devastating, the world witnessed America's resolve on that fateful day.

Partrick Henry told us in the beginnings of what would be the most powerful Nation in the world, ``United we stand. Divided we fall.'' Americans from all creeds, all religions, all backgrounds, from north to south, east to west, united behind each other that Tuesday morning and for the days that followed, proving Patrick Henry's words true. Though the World Trade Center towers eventually collapsed under great stress from heat and pressure, for the last two years America never waffled.

I am proud to be an American today, and I am proud to say that many my fellow West Virginians have given of themselves so much to those who suffered two years ago and who still feel the pain of loss. We have stood together in the face of great, unspeakable tragedy and we will continue to stand together in the face of triumph.

May God bless this great Nation, and give us the strength to serve his will.