James M. Jeffords: “the tragedy that has befallen America is only just beginning to fully sink in. The horror is so unimaginable, the…”

“the tragedy that has befallen America is only just beginning to fully sink in. The horror is so unimaginable, the devastation so great and the suffering it leaves in its wake is almost beyond our comprehension. We feel we have all, personally, been dealt a great blow, no matter where we live, whether or not we knew any of the victims. Our hearts go out to the many, many families who are suffering, and in a very real sense, we feel as if we are one family together today. As chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Federal Emergency Management Agency--FEMA--I pledge the full support of the committee to the relief effort. I would like to read the text of a letter that my committee sent to the President today: Dear Mr. President: We are writing to commend you and the Administration for the Federal Government's response to the horrific terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon. In particular, we are encouraged and impressed by the organization and coordination at the Federal Emergency Management Agency. We and our staff stand ready to assist you in your efforts in any way, including making any immediate changes to statutes or program funding levels within the Committee's jurisdiction that are necessary to implement measures to save lives and restore safety and order as quickly as possible. Thank you for your resolve and determination.”