On the recordSeptember 29, 2010
I thank the gentleman, but I, in turn, want to salute Congressman Peter King, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Congressman Jerry Nadler, and the entire bipartisan New York delegation for giving us this opportunity today to do what is right and fair and just. Mr. Speaker, in observance of 9/11 earlier this month, we stood on the steps of the Capitol, Democrats and Republicans alike, to honor the memory that we lost that day. As we were standing there, I was thinking back to my first visit to Ground Zero. When you went there at that time following the tragedy, you knew that when you stepped there you were walking on sacred ground. There was an incredible silence as the workers feverishly, feverishly tried to retrieve the remains of those who were lost, and just repair the damage that was done to clear the wreckage. No pictures were allowed in recognition that we were on sacred ground. No photographs were allowed, and of course, silence was generally observed so that those who were working could hear each other as they quietly went about their very, very sad assignment. They, and those who rushed to the scene in real time when it happened, risked their lives and their health to do so. They didn't ask any questions: Is anybody going to take care of me? They were there to help. Again, back to the steps of the Capitol.…
Source
govinfo.gov




