Hilda L. Solis: “five years ago, democracy and freedom were attacked when terrorists destroyed nearly 3,000 innocent lives in New York…”

“five years ago, democracy and freedom were attacked when terrorists destroyed nearly 3,000 innocent lives in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. We mourn the passing of those taken too soon, celebrate the lives of the scores of volunteers and first responders who helped victims and their families, and vow to never forget the fateful day that changed the lives of millions of Americans. Today, Congress had an opportunity to do the right thing and remember September 11 without partisan motives or divisive tactics. Yet, H.R. 994 was motivated more by upcoming elections than honor and remembrance. Today's 9-11 resolution to honor the victims and heroes of 9-11 includes controversial legislation which criminalizes immigrant families and strips Americans of those civil liberties which are the very fabric of our democracy. It links the thoughts and prayers for servicemen and women with efforts to deport the families of immigrant soldiers--many of whom are not U.S. citizens. The resolution also defends the practice of wiretapping--an invasion of privacy which neither Congress nor the courts have either expressly or implicitly approved and which undermines the right to privacy. Debates about immigration and civil rights are important to the future and fabric of our country.…”