A resolution recognizing the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, honoring the memory of the victims, recognizing the courage and sacrifice of the heroes who answered the call to serve, acknowledging the charitable organizations that continue to support survivors and victims' families, and reaffirming the enduring commitment of the United States to never forget.

Whereas, on September 11, 2001, 19 terrorists affiliated with al-Qaeda hijacked 4 commercial aircraft and carried out coordinated attacks against the United States, resulting in the deaths of 2,977 innocent victims, making September 11, 2001, the deadliest terrorist attack in the history of the United States;

Whereas among those who made the ultimate sacrifice were 343 firefighters of the Fire Department of the City of New York, 72 law enforcement officers, 8 emergency medical technicians and paramedics, and 55 members of the Armed Forces at the Pentagon who courageously rushed toward danger in an effort to save the lives of others;

Whereas the passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93 demonstrated extraordinary courage by confronting the terrorists, sacrificing their own lives, and preventing an attack on another intended target;

Whereas countless firefighters, police officers, emergency medical personnel, construction workers, medical professionals, search and rescue teams, members of the Armed Forces, intelligence professionals, and volunteers risked their lives in the rescue, recovery, and relief efforts following the attacks;

Whereas the attacks created one of the worst environmental disasters in history, as hundreds of tons of toxic dust and debris spread over Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, covering first responders, workers, residents, and students and filling apartment buildings, offices, stores, and schools;

Whereas Congress came together in 2011 to pass the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 (Public Law 111–347; 124 Stat. 3623), which created the World Trade Center Health Program and reopened the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund that together provide health and support for responders and survivors struggling with 9/11-related illnesses;

Whereas, in 2016, Congress extended the World Trade Center Health Program until 2090 and, in 2019, Congress extended the 9/11 Victim Compensation Program until 2090 to ensure that these programs will be available to responders and survivors struggling with 9/11-related illnesses throughout their lives;

Whereas, in 2026, Congress enacted legislation to strengthen the long-term financial stability of the World Trade Center Health Program, helping ensure continued access to medical monitoring and treatment for responders and survivors;

Whereas many first responders, rescue and recovery workers, volunteers, and survivors of the attacks continue to suffer from serious medical illnesses and emotional distress related to the physical and mental trauma of the tragedy;

Whereas the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, led thousands of people in the United States to answer the call to national service, and many members of the Armed Forces made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the United States during the Global War on Terror;

Whereas, for 25 years, charitable foundations, nonprofit organizations, labor organizations, faith-based organizations, and community groups have faithfully served survivors, the families of those who perished, first responders, veterans, and Gold Star families by providing financial assistance, housing, medical care, counseling, educational scholarships, adaptive homes, memorial programs, and long-term support;

Whereas countless national and local organizations have preserved the memory of those lost while ensuring that survivors, first responders, military families, and victims’ loved ones are never forgotten;

Whereas the attack at the Pentagon exposed over 10,000 military and civilian employees to toxic materials;

Whereas, after 25 years, it is vital that the Pentagon Memorial Visitor Education Center be realized to ensure the telling of the stories of the victims as well as those who responded, including many who showed up to work the next day to formulate the response of the United States to the attack;

Whereas the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, provides an opportunity to remember those who perished, honor those who served, and comfort those who continue to grieve; and

Whereas future generations must be taught the history and lessons of September 11, 2001, so that the courage, sacrifice, resilience, and unity displayed on that day will never be forgotten: Now, therefore, be it