Steny Hoyer: “From the outside, democracies sometimes appear weak, to those who do not understand the strength of a free people in…”

“From the outside, democracies sometimes appear weak, to those who do not understand the strength of a free people in discourse and disagreement. Sometimes democracies appear unwilling to act decisively in response to a threat. But those who perceive weakness where there is incredible strength make an awful, terrible mistake. Today, within literally hours of a disastrous act being perpetrated against the United States, its people, and indeed, the very concept of freedom and liberty here and around the world, see how quickly democracies will act. We will pass this as a first step, as a first commitment to confront tyranny, terrorism, and despots. Mr. Speaker, this emergency supplemental appropriations bill is a major step in the United States' initial response to the horrific terrorist attacks on Tuesday. I know that my colleagues will strongly support it. Specifically, this bill is a rapid response to our Nation's urgent needs. It will make $40 billion available to Federal, State and local authorities to respond to these contemptible crimes.”