Political Quotes

“I thank my friend from New Jersey for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, on September 11, 2001, I was never more proud to be a New Yorker. Many of my constituents rushed in to help, and within days of the attack over 40,000 responders from across the Nation descended upon Ground Zero to do anything possible to help with the rescue, recovery, and cleanup. Sadly, many of my constituents were killed in the attacks on the World Trade Center. The people that rushed in to help their fellow human beings didn't put themselves first, they selflessly helped others. And the question is, should we now penalize these people who risked their lives? Within minutes of the planes hitting the World Trade Center, New York's first responders mobilized to save those who were trapped or hurt. They thought the site was safe to work at and the air was safe to breathe. They never questioned their own safety when they ran in to help others because they put others in need ahead of themselves. And you know what? The statements that were given about the air being safe to breathe were false. Many became sick, and the illnesses from exposure to the toxins have developed to become severe and debilitating, and for some, deadly. These heroes deserve more. New York was attacked because it is a symbol of our country. New York was attacked because the terrorists wanted to make a statement.…”