Dick Durbin: “throughout the history of the United States of America, we have had a remarkable alliance with the nation of France. It…”

“throughout the history of the United States of America, we have had a remarkable alliance with the nation of France. It bears remembering and repeating that the French stood by our side when America was fighting for its independence from Great Britain. The French were honored in many ways for that alliance and help, including, as I recall, a portrait of the Marquis de Lafayette which hangs in the U.S. House of Representatives to this day. That was not the only time by any means that the French have stood with us and we have stood by their side. It happened during World War I, World War II, and many times after that. Through the NATO alliance and in many other ways, we have worked with the people of France for common goals and common purpose, and that is why we were so saddened this morning to learn of the news that was reported by the Tribune: Masked gunmen shouting ``Allahu akbar!'' stormed the Paris offices of a satirical newspaper Wednesday, killing 12 people before escaping. It was France's deadliest terror attack in at least two decades. With a manhunt on, French President Francois Hollande called the attack on the Charlie Hebdo weekly . . . ``a terrorist attack without a doubt.'' He said several other attacks have been thwarted in France ``in recent weeks.'' France raised its security alert to the highest level and reinforced protective measures at houses of worship, stores, media offices and transportation.…”