Bill Clinton: “I turn our attention, as I have on numerous occasions over the past weeks, to the situation in the State of New York…”

“I turn our attention, as I have on numerous occasions over the past weeks, to the situation in the State of New York following the attacks on September 11 and the extraordinary damage inflicted on the infrastructure, on the economy, and most especially on the lives of New Yorkers. I commend Senator Byrd and the Appropriations Committee for the extraordinary job they have done in marking up the fiscal year 2002 Defense appropriations bill which addresses not only the pressing national security and defense needs of our Nation but also marks a significant step forward in addressing our homeland defense needs, as well as the specific needs related to the cleanup, rebuilding, and revitalization of the city of New York. Just days after the horrific attack on September 11, just over 12 weeks ago, President Bush told a joint session of Congress: We will rebuild New York City.”