Steve Israel: “this weekend we will commemorate veterans, honoring those who have served in America's armed services in times of peace…”

“this weekend we will commemorate veterans, honoring those who have served in America's armed services in times of peace and times of war. Tragically, this same weekend will mark the 2-month anniversary of September 11, 2 months since international terrorists declared war on the United States and the civilized world. The veterans of America's war on terrorism are fighting today in Afghanistan. The veterans of America's war on terrorism are also our courageous first responders: our firefighters, our police, our emergency hospital personnel, our school administrators, even our school nurses. Our first responders are in the trenches, and it is our job in Congress to ensure they have all the resources they need to defend themselves and defend our people. That is why I am urging my colleagues to join me in sponsoring the Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2001, providing both long-term and short-term strategies for fighting our new war, from laboratories to police stations, to firehouses and nursing tables. We may not completely destroy the war on terrorism in 2 months or even 2 years. We may have to be on guard for 2 decades. But we shall prevail and American children will be secure because of our efforts.”