On the recordSeptember 11, 2013
This is, indeed, a sober day of reflection on the events of 9/11. Twelve years ago today, I was on the floor of the House when we got word of the first attacks. It unleashed a series of horrific events, but those events continue to this day. There is another tragedy that is occurring in Iraq and Afghanistan--the thousands of Iraqi and Afghan nationals whose lives are at risk because they helped Americans as guides, drivers, and interpreters. That is why we developed a special immigrant visa program--to help these people trapped in the country against those with long memories who seek revenge. But this program is seriously broken. There are thousands of men and women on this waiting list, some who have died while they wait to have the paperwork processed. The State Department won't even tell us how many are on the waiting list. It is seriously broken. Congress can't fix it. But at least we can put in the CR an extension so that the program doesn't expire at the end of the month and their lives lost. ____________________
