William Helms: “as of today, during my nearly 29 years in the Senate, I have missed a total of three votes because of ``traffic jams.''…”

“as of today, during my nearly 29 years in the Senate, I have missed a total of three votes because of ``traffic jams.'' The first was during my 4th year in the Senate. The other two occurred this morning when I was unable to get to the Senate Chamber in time to cast my affirmative votes for H.R. 2888 and S.J. Res. 23, both of which were approved without a dissenting vote. Needless to say, I deeply regret I was unable to reach the Senate Chamber in time to vote for the two critical measures approved by the Senate today. The enormity of Tuesday's terrorist attacks is proving more apparent every day. It is obvious that the lives of all Americans have changed as a result of these heinous crimes against the United States and, indeed, all civilization. Needless to say, I strongly support the Senate's giving President Bush the authority to root out and destroy the heinous terrorists responsible for such brutality and also, of course, the governments harboring them. Needless to say, I support the necessary funding to enable the President to begin this solemn responsibility. I commend the Senate, of course, for its responsible and appropriate actions to provide sufficient funding to help the recovery effort in New York, Washington, D.C. and elsewhere. This is only the beginning of the resources Congress must provide to eradicate the terrorists that perpetrated such horrific violence against America and the American people.”