September 11, 2001
September 11, 2001 - a day that none of us will ever forget. In the weeks since the terrorist attacks on
Washington D.C. and New York City, many of you have contacted my offices to express your opinions and
feelings about the attacks. Your continued outreach to me as your elected representative proves that we will
not let the terrorists change the way we function as a democracy, or as a community.
The terrorists attempted to destroy our way of life by attacking what makes us strong - our democratic way
of government, our military might, and our economic success. But they cannot and will not succeed. As we
have all witnessed, America has emerged from this horrific tragedy stronger than before, and ready to
confront the challenges that lay ahead.
We cannot forget the thousands of Americans we lost as a result of these attacks. And we cannot forget that
this was not just an attack on the United States of America but on the world. Eighty countries lost citizens in
the World Trade Center, and they are now united with us in our fight against terrorism. The coming years and
months will be a struggle between those who love freedom and those who promote terror.
President Bush’s speech to the Congress and the American people made clear his intent to win the war that
has been declared on us and the world. As he addressed the battles that we will face, he spoke of the need
for patience from the American people. He also pointed to the importance of a strong international coalition to
the success of our efforts. With the patience of all Americans and the support of the international community,
we will be able to wage this war in the most thoughtful and effective manner possible. It will not be a quick or
easy victory, but it is one we must and will win.
Congress has already begun its work to combat those who wish to destroy America. We have provided relief
funds for the victims and their families and we have authorized the President to use whatever force necessary
to defeat these terrorists. We have also voted to condemn discrimination against Arab-Americans in the wake
of September 11th. We know that much graver work may yet have to be done. But we are united in our
commitment to defending our American way of life and all it embodies.
