Press Releases - Davis Statement on the 5th Year Anniversary of the September 11th Terrorist Attacks

Davis Statement on the 5th Year Anniversary of the September 11th Terrorist Attacks

(Washington, DC) - Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis made the following statement regarding the 5th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks:

"It is hard to believe that is has already been five years since our Nation was attacked by terrorists, and our way of life threatened by those who despise America and all the freedom that we stand for," said Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis. "On that day, it became clear that national security had to be the driving policy of Congress and the Administration. Protecting the homeland is the Constitutional duty of the federal government, and September 11th marked a significant sea change in how we view homeland security," added Davis.

"Five years later, I believe America is a safer place, and the threat of terrorism, which has always been with us, is the number one priority with not only our military, but also with our first responders and state and local governments. Our country has come together to defend the homeland and our way of life," said Davis.

"And as we fight the Global War on Terror, we have seen great transformations. The efforts of our military men and women to rid al Qaeda are proving very successful. We are using a wide variety of military, diplomatic, financial, and intelligence methods to disrupt and defeat this terrorist enemy, and it is working. With the help of countries around the globe, more than three-quarters of al Qaeda's known leaders and associates have been detained or killed since September 11th, and nearly $140 million in terrorist assets have been blocked in over 1,400 accounts worldwide."

"But just as importantly, we have learned that border security is paramount to a safe and secure homeland. We must secure our borders and stop the influx of illegal aliens across our porous borders. Homeland security starts at our borders, and that is why it is necessary that the Senate move on House passed legislation strengthening our borders," said Davis.

"Domestically, we have instituted some dramatic reforms in how we handle terrorism, and we are safer because of it. Before the terrorist attacks, terrorism was treated as a problem to be handled by law enforcement. Today, we have a comprehensive approach that utilizes all elements of our national power. This includes increasing support for our first responders,' said Davis.

"We are winning the Global War on Terror, and America is safer than we were five years ago. Taking down terrorist leaders and disrupting attacks such as what we recently witnessed in London are important keys to winning this war, but they are victories within the larger battle against terrorism. It is important that we continue to hunt Bin Laden and other terrorist leaders, and support our men and women in Afghanistan, Iraq and other areas across the globe."

"We can never let the memories of the terrorist attacks of five years ago fade," said Davis. "It is our vigilance and our willingness to do what it takes, that will keep this Nation safe and secure," said Davis.

http://joanndavis.house.gov/HoR/VA01/News/Press+Releases/2005/Five+Year+Anniversary+of+Sept+11.htm