On the recordApril 10, 2019
I am reminded of the creation of the Homeland Security Committee and the Department of Homeland Security. It was in the aftermath of the heinous acts of 9/11, of which I was a Member of the United States Congress, and the description and actions are seared in my memory. We organized the Homeland Security Department to be the front lines of security, to recognize, and to determine what would be the best way to function. I will be introducing legislation about the security of the Homeland Security Department. The precipitous firings and resignations are putting this Nation in jeopardy and putting the men and women on the front lines for the work that they are doing, it is undermining that very important work. So today I rise as a cofounder and co-chair of the Afghanistan Caucus, to ask my colleagues to salute those who just lost their lives in battle in Afghanistan, soldiers from across the Nation. Their families are mourning, and we owe them a recognition that they wear the uniform and they are able or willing to sacrifice for us. I would ask my colleagues to take a moment of silence for those who died in the recent IED incident in Afghanistan. I ask now for a moment of silence for those soldiers who have fallen in battle. ____________________
