John Tierney: “I join Americans everywhere today and tonight, as well as my colleagues here, in expressing our sorrow and sympathy and…”

“I join Americans everywhere today and tonight, as well as my colleagues here, in expressing our sorrow and sympathy and condolences to every family and friend who has experienced a loss as a result of what went on in yesterday's tragedies. And, unfortunately, there were those in my district who suffered loss, and our hearts go out to all of them this evening. Mr. Speaker, in the face of this trauma, the American character of resolve has shown itself. Untold numbers of citizens have participated in rescue and medical efforts, while others have joined together to comfort victims and their families. Lives have been lost, but lines have been formed as people line up to give blood, and everywhere men and women and boys and girls reach out to help those who are hurt, and that effort will continue. Congress and the President have pledged to work together; and they are going to work together to meet the challenges and work with essential agencies, and every effort will be made to further rescue, further medical treatments, to support victims and families of victims and to address the enhancement of our security throughout this country as we move forward into the future and to identify and hold accountable those responsible for these despicable, cowardly acts. Although everyone continues to experience competing emotions of sorrow and anger and frustration, we are going to refuse to allow these acts to rob us of the values we have as citizens.”