Nydia M. Velazquez: “Today I join my colleagues, our fellow Americans, and people around the world to offer our prayers to the families of…”

“Today I join my colleagues, our fellow Americans, and people around the world to offer our prayers to the families of those lost or injured in yesterday's unspeakable crimes. We stand here in solidarity with the President, who represents this Nation and its resolve to hunt down those responsible and bring them to justice. No one should doubt our unity and our commitment to rebuild in the wake of this deliberate tragedy. To the thousands of Americans who have lost loved ones or still wait in vigil for the missing, we offer prayers and hope for you who were devastated by yesterday's events. You have suffered an incredible personal tragedy and receive our sympathy for bearing the brunt of this assault on our Nation. To the people of New York, you demonstrated the finest heroism and humanity during the direst hour. Thousands of you risked your lives to help others as smoke, ash and debris rained on you. Thousands more of you streamed into blood donation centers to meet an incredible demand, saving countless more lives. Your spirit and resilience make our city and our country great. Together we will rebuild our city even greater than it was before. To the American people, we feel the same pain and anger you feel as we stand witness together to these terrible events, and we support the effort to find those who aided or abetted these crimes. They will be found, and they will be brought to justice.”