Hon. Michael G. Oxley: “I have heard this plea from my constituents in the fourth congressional district in these numbing days following the…”

“I have heard this plea from my constituents in the fourth congressional district in these numbing days following the unconscionable terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and Pentagon: Find those who did this. Make them answer for their evil. Defend the ideals that our predecessors fought for, to make this a safer and more peaceful world for the generations to come. I was in this House a decade ago when we debated a resolution to support our President, George Bush, when he went to war against Saddam Hussein. I hoped never to have to speak to a military challenge of that magnitude again. But on September 11, America was attacked at home by an enemy that hides in shadows and kills without conscience. By authorizing the use of all necessary and appropriate force against those responsible for terrorist attacks, this Congress shows that it and the American people stands behind our President, George W. Bush, and civilized society. While it is not a technical declaration of war, for all practical purposes the United States is at war with those who want to harm our people, disrupt our economy, shatter our security, and destroy our democratic values. All nations in the world who profess the values of civilization should be with America on this defining mission. We will win before the causes of liberty and justice are more powerful than the forces of evil and hatred. Americans have answered this call before.…”