Robert Torricelli: “Indeed, I have never--witnessed the solidarity of the membership, the focus of purpose that has been evident since the…”

“Indeed, I have never--witnessed the solidarity of the membership, the focus of purpose that has been evident since the tragedy of September 11. Partisan differences, differences of region and philosophy have been impossible to discern in the debates on the Senate floor. It is not necessarily a difference of party affiliation or of philosophy, but it does have some regional implications where people of goodwill can differ because of different experiences. This body is right, indeed; the Senate has no choice but to deal with the issue of airport security. Our national economy has taken a terrible toll in the loss of employment and income. Lives have been lost. Families have been broken. Confidence in the freedom to travel in America has been shaken--all because of the acts of terrorists who hijacked planes and killed our citizens. To the cynic, our legislation represents closing the barn door. The cynics may be right. But that does not mean the Senate has a choice.”