Congresswoman Laura Richardson's Statement on the 11th Anniversary of the September 11th Attacks

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Laura Richardson released the following statement regarding the 11th anniversary of the September 11th attacks:

"September 11, 2011 was one of the darkest moments in American history and today we remember the 3,000 innocent lives that were lost day that day in the Twin Towers, and the Pentagon and in the fields of Western Pennsylvania. For most of us, it is still hard to believe that 11 years have passed since that tragic morning.

"This year, as we mark this solemn anniversary, we must never forget the American spirit that rose from this tragedy. With much sorrow in our hearts, we joined together as a nation in the days after the attacks to remember the lives of those who were lost and to resolve that a disaster like this would never again occur in our nation.

In the years following 9/11, our goal has been defending our country from the terrorist threat we face by eliminating the ability of al-Qaeda to conduct similar attacks in the future and we have been successful. On May 1, 2011, thanks to the leadership and determination of President Obama and the courage and skill of our men and women in uniform, justice was meted out to the mastermind of 9/11, Osama bin Laden. Since the death of bin Laden, the core of al Qaeda has been severely weakened, their size has been greatly reduced, and their ability to attack Americans, almost eradicated.

As a member of the Homeland Security Committee I am committed to working with my colleagues and the Administration to keep our borders secure and infrastructure safe from those who threaten our freedom and liberty. As the ranking member on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications of the Committee on Homeland Security, I have sponsored and co-sponsored legislation that improves our nation's ability to secure and defend our homeland. I will continue to be a committed advocate for secure borders, emergency preparedness, and sound policies that evolve to match our nation's changing needs and circumstances.

As we recognize the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, let us take a moment to remember the lives that were lost nine years ago and resolve to honor their memory by doing all we can to secure our homeland while preserving the cherished values that have made the United States the greatest, most prosperous, and freest nation in the history of the world."

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