WHITE PLAINS, NY – Today, Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester), Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement marking the 18th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001:
“Eighteen years have passed since the September 11th terrorist attacks, but the memory of this unimaginable tragedy, unspeakable terror, and profound grief remains.
“When tragedy struck, men and women streamed from the Twin Towers and the Pentagon as first responders ran in and risked their lives. Volunteers sifted through debris for days and weeks hoping for miracles. Between those horrific attacks and the crash of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, we lost nearly 3,000 family members, friends, and neighbors.
“We promised to never forget those whose lives were cut short.
“The pain that we all feel from the loss of our relatives, friends, and neighbors will never heal, but every day we must channel that pain into remembrance and service. By participating in this day of service, we help build a stronger, more unified community to honor the victims’ memories.
“We are also called to care for those who remain with us but suffer as a result of their bravery that day. In July, the Senate followed the House’s lead and passed the permanent renewal of the September 11th Victims Compensation Fund, which was enacted on July 29, 2019. This long-overdue action provides financial security and care for first responders and survivors who are ill from exposure to a mix of burning chemicals and debris.
“On this and every anniversary of the September 11th attacks, we are reminded of our common purpose and solemn responsibilities: to care for the survivors and first responders; to give our law enforcement the resources to prevent and respond to attacks; and last, but not least, to hold the victims and heroes of September 11th and their families forever in our hearts.”
