Jim Sensenbrenner: “Mr. Speaker, the events of September 11 have brought to life the heroism displayed by our public safety officers and…”

“Mr. Speaker, the events of September 11 have brought to life the heroism displayed by our public safety officers and those who assist them in the line of duty. This tragedy has also created many unique and unfortunate situations that have not been fully contemplated prior to September 11. In these cases, we have a responsibility as a Congress to act so that our laws treat fairly those who die in the line of duty. Father Mychal F. Judge, a priest who years earlier had consoled the families of TWA Flight 800 after it exploded off of Long Island and who had gone on a recent peace mission to Northern Ireland, had been a chaplain with the New York City Fire Department since 1992. He was ministering to the victims at the World Trade Center when a rain of debris showered upon him, resulting in his death. This legislation is given a short name in recognition of Father Judge and his efforts while addressing two concerns which his situation has brought to light.”