EXPRESSING SENSE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF TERRORIST ATTACKS LAUNCHED AGAINST THE UNITED STATES ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 -- (House of Representatives - September 13, 2006)
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, five years ago, democracy and freedom were attacked when terrorists destroyed nearly 3,000 innocent lives in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. We mourn the passing of those taken too soon, celebrate the lives of the scores of volunteers and first responders who helped victims and their families, and vow to never forget the fateful day that changed the lives of millions of Americans. Today, Congress had an opportunity to do the right thing and remember September 11 without partisan motives or divisive tactics. Yet, H.R. 994 was motivated more by upcoming elections than honor and remembrance.
Today's 9-11 resolution to honor the victims and heroes of 9-11 includes controversial legislation which criminalizes immigrant families and strips Americans of those civil liberties which are the very fabric of our democracy. It links the thoughts and prayers for servicemen and women with efforts to deport the families of immigrant soldiers--many of whom are not U.S. citizens. The resolution also defends the practice of wiretapping--an invasion of privacy which neither Congress nor the courts have either expressly or implicitly approved and which undermines the right to privacy.
Debates about immigration and civil rights are important to the future and fabric of our country. America needs comprehensive immigration reform; policies which provide strong support for a more intelligent and realistic approach to controlling immigration, including enhanced border security, workplace and employer enforcement, and earned legalization for immigrants with a path to citizenship. But an enforcement only approach, such as H.R. 4437, has failed in the pass and is doomed to fail again.
We need a new direction for America's security and there are several steps that Congress must take now to keep our country safe. We must guard against future attacks by implementing all of the 9-11 Commission recommendations, screening 100 percent of containers and cargo bound for the United States in ships and planes, and ensuring our first responders have the training, equipment and technology they need. Yet our Nation will be not become more secure by partisan resolutions endorsing failed immigration approaches and programs which threaten our civil liberties.
As we remember the past, we must look toward the future to ensure our Nation and our world is safer. We must, at the same time, protect that which makes America's democracy so great--our civil liberties, and lead the world toward peace through diplomacy. Five years ago, families, friends, and strangers joined together to care for the fallen. This resolution is an attempt to divide that spirit. As we move forward, let us not forget the spirit of community which we embraced that day and work together to bring peace for future generations.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
http://thomas.loc.gov