Cord Byrd: “Yes, I saw it on television. I saw it on the agonized faces of wives, mothers, and fathers. The terrorists made many…”

“Yes, I saw it on television. I saw it on the agonized faces of wives, mothers, and fathers. The terrorists made many widows that day. The terrorists made many orphans that day. I saw it in the sweaty, grimy faces and hands of the workers, sifting through the rubble. I did not need to go. I would like to have gone, but I made the same commitment that those individuals in high places made who did go. Now is the time to keep our commitment. I believe that a promise made is a debt unpaid, and I promised the New York Senators that I would try to help them, and I have done everything I can. I promised the New Jersey Senators, one of whom presides over this Senate at this moment with great dignity, skill, poise. I am keeping that promise. The President promised, and I am trying to help the President keep that promise. I am not being confrontational about it. I want to help. Can we not just join hands once, one time and not be political about this and help to form a more perfect union and fulfill that phrase that is in the preamble of the Constitution? I thank the Senator.”