Authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony to award posthumously a Congressional Gold Medal in commemoration to the servicemembers who perished in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021, during the evacuation of citizens of the United States and Afghan allies at Hamid Karzai International Airport.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 23rd anniversary of September 11, 2001, a day where nearly 3,000 lives were stolen from us in a series of brutal terrorist attacks that would alter the course of our Nation's history.

On that fateful morning, families in New York and across America began their day like any other, only to face a tragedy that forever changed our Nation. Husbands and wives, parents and children, went about their routines unaware of the devastation that awaited them.

Their loss is immeasurable, but so too is the extraordinary bravery and sense of patriotism that emerged from that chaos. Our first responders, firefighters, police officers, and medics

rushed into danger displaying unmatched heroism and selflessness. They ran toward the inferno while others fled, saving countless lives and embodying the true spirit of courage.

As we remember those whom we lost and honor the valor of our first responders, let us renew our commitment to the values they protected. Their sacrifice demands that we stand united, proud, and resolute.

May their legacy drive us to uphold the freedom and unity that make our Nation strong and resilient. God bless the families impacted that day, God bless our first responders and military, and God bless the United States of America.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of H. Con. Res. 126, which was received from the House and is at the desk.

I ask unanimous consent that the concurrent resolution be agreed to, and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.