Donald M. Payne: “yesterday's tragic events touched the residents of my congressional district in a profound and personal way. United…”

“yesterday's tragic events touched the residents of my congressional district in a profound and personal way. United Flight 93, one of the fateful flights on that most horrifying of days, departed Newark International Airport, which I represent, carrying innocent passengers who would become pawns in the most senseless act of terrorism that you can imagine. In addition, thousands of New Jersey residents travel back and forth each day from Penn Station, in my home city of Newark, to New York, where many hold jobs at the World Trade Center. This morning, families in New Jersey communities continue the agonizing wait for word on the fate of their loved ones. As we struggle to comprehend and confront the magnitude of this shocking attack on the United States, let us, above all, remember the victims, the employees, the volunteers, the visitors, the firemen, the policemen, the EMTs, who put their lives on the line. Let us put a human face on this tragedy which claimed the lives of so many people, who shared the everyday dreams and hopes we all have, people who only wanted to live their lives in peace, to see their children grow up healthy and happy. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the families of the victims who are suffering such immense pain. I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing appreciation for the humanitarian efforts of all those who have stepped forward to offer assistance in this time of need.”