Because somebody there brought up on the internet. That second plane flew into the building for quite will never forget that image because we didnt know what happened with the first. We knew what happened with the second. Recently over summer break i took a trip to israel. All of the preparedness and the evil that lurks around the world to see it up close where it always makes you wonder how can you live like that go how can you be prepared when you know there are always individuals and countries out there just like 1941 and 2001. Imagine living in a countryer where your entire border surrounded by a fence or a wall to keep people out. There is another barrier. Or a dirt berm. Shows how important it is to be prepared and always be strong when it comes to defending this c country for the freedoms that we all enjoy every day. We never thought it could happen in 1841 or 2001 it can happen again because thats the world we live in. As us senator i was the most important thing this body should do his foster the defense and security of this country and when you see a slip so precariously over the last few years think thank goodness we built a backup to a level that makes sense. If we truly honor all the lives lost and inevitably down the road to be strong and be prepared and always need to be aware ofwe the fact and then despite all of that to limit that danger every day to find a way to get through it let us never let our guard down for freedom and liberty. I yield the floor suing the senator from missouri. Ve as pointed out today this is a day that americans remember is a day of unique tragedy. Earlier today on the senate floor we had a moment of silence with a series of votes the floor was full of members who were thinking about what happened that day. Almost every american alive today knows where they were that morning a beautiful clear morning just like this morning and just to remember where you were there was a likelihood yourhe parents told you where you were. It was a seminal moment to change looking at so many things in our country today we reflect where we were and the changes that occurred after that. There is a member of the house 18 years ago and sharing with Capital Police today the appreciation for what they do every day. On this day every year one of the last to leave this building as the Capital Police for working hard to get people out. A sense that the plane was coming here and either hit the white house or the capital. I remember walking out of the door i remember looking in the eyes of the Capital Police woman who was still at theil tdoor and realizing i would be out of the building as a target to be somewhere else and she would still be h here until those who work with us and to protect us every day we sure that everybody could be found and had gotten out of the building was already gone. We understand the world is a dangerous place we had this discussion p whether if they served as a haven for al qaeda that would happen if we left that country back to the taliban and that would become a haven again. We really need to think of a number of things. Because people do so much to protect us all the time. We have thousands of americans in uniform and in the Intelligence Community that every day spend their time to make sure we are as safe as we can be in the freedoms are secure. They are deployed overseas fighting terrorist groups like isis or the remnants of al qaeda and to spot home grown terrorist in doing what they can to w find what somebody is talking about that would be a danger and senator capital and i was there last week and one of the things we talked about was not only the drugs coming over the border but other things designed to harm us who we are and how we live. In st. Louis missouri and arnold missouri the second biggest installation of the National Geospatial agency constantly looking at the information that is out there se if there is activity in places there wouldnt bein activity but if thereas was it would likely be activity designed to harm us or others in the world. We need to understand that and in the society that we live in that there is never a perfect security or perfect freedom at the same time and we work really hard not to allow ourselves to lose the freedom we cherish in return for the security we would like to have. Also remember those people that respond. The First Responders that ran toward thege tragedy on 9 11 as others could run away from the tragedy passing each other many First Responders were numbered among those 3000 americans that day died that day just last month the president signed into law the National Urban search and rescue parity act to allow federal employees to be active participants with urban search and rescue teams whether from a Natural Disaster or a manmade disaster. The third thing to keep in mind is how important it is we honor and care for the victims and heroes amongng us. Those that ran toward the tragedy and those they left behind. Those who still suffer today because of what happened that day is likely as not that will benefit from the Victims Compensation fund from those who stayed behind and rushed forward to help others. We dont want to be afraid to become the great Diverse Society we have become we dont want to be a society to allow the terrace to win by taking our freedoms a away. Is an important time to think of those freedoms rushing to the scene of danger and for those who try to do everything they can to minimize that so we grieve and we pray and we remember and resolve we will continue to be vigilant against attacks and unafraid of defending who wee are. I yield the floor. The senator from iowa. I asked consent to getting the following the remarks of the previous senators. Eighteen years ago on a bright clear sky without warning our nation was attacked. Many of us probably remember where we were on that horrible day. I had that morning off. I was at home with my nearly two yearold daughter. We did have that tv on but a couple of gentlemen at the house i was getting a brandnew furnace. Normally would be a couple our installation turned into an all day event as they would take time from installing the furnace to read into the room so we could see what was going on on the television. The first phone call was from a neighbor and she said joni do you have the tv on cracks i said no. Whats going on . She said turn the tv on. So i did. And i saw the horrible events unfolding right in front of us. The second phone call was from the Iowa Army National guard unit captain we are doing a 100 percent y accountability check stay by the phone all day so we know how to get a hold of you. 100 percent accountability. It was an experience a that many of us never have felt before that shocked to know that the country that we loved and our fellow americans were under attack. Mister preston our adversaries sought to tear us apart by their cowardly act but instead they brought us together as americans. We also saw the very best of our country. The firefighters, Police Officers, First Responders and the ordinary citizens who courageously put their lives on the line to save countless others. That day as individuals and as a nation we came together in a unique way and we also made a pledge to never forget. Never forget that nearly 3000 victims and the families they left behind. Never forget the heroism of the First Responders and everyday men and women who selflessly acted to save lives and never forget of the great democratic principles its a pledge i personally take very seriously i have organize this event for my colleagues to come to the floor today to share their memories and thoughts on the 18th anniversary thats why of work to make sure armed forces have the technology and resources they need to defend our mission here at home and toabroad. Finally getting signed into Law Permanent reauthorization of the september 11 Victims Compensationun fund keeping the nations promise to support the First Responders who continue to sacrifice their health and their lives in the post 9 11 recovery effort this is why we should never take her nation or our freedoms for granted. Mister president , i am just one of millions who never forget. There are many violins that are honoring that bow today on the anniversary as a day of service performing acts of kindness throughout iowa. Coming together with their communities to honor and remember those lost. Its wonderful to see all the ways they are doing that from walking in the 9 11 march to the capital in des moines to visiting the 9 11 never forget at the clayfa county fair participating in the annual 9 11 moment of silence motorcycle ride in mason city and some fellow iowans will be remembering loved ones lost in the attack like those in newton whose husband jim loving and goodnatured good humor of a man whod never came home from his business trip to the World Trade Center 18 years ago now she has been on a crusade to keep his memory alive and well for the last two decades raising funds for newtons own very own 9 11 memorial and educate students about the event of that day 18 years ago. She has given her testimony all over iowa they probably seen her driving across the state she has a pretty special license plate which reads and ver f gt never forget. Today and every day iowans keep that sacred promise we will always remember of the 3000 others who lost their lives that tragic day. We will always honor the heroes s who sacrificed and saved countless lives. We will always rise up to defend our nation and its citizens. We will never forget. That is our sacred promise. Thank you mister president. I yield the floor. The senator from montana. Americans witnessed what evil looks like. Eighteen years ago today to witness the loss of innocent life. Eighteen years ago today americans witnessed acts of cowardice. And with those acts and we take time to remember the thousands of lives lost on that horrible day. Remember the daughter who lost mothers and sons who lost fathers in the communities who were broken by the tragedies. I speak for most of us when i remember that day like yesterday. I was in bozeman montana that day. I like to get an early start with work, two hours ahead of eastern times when it was early in the morning. My wife cindy called me she said strange news. There is a plane that hit a World Trade Center tower. Many of us at that time thought it was a small plane strange bit of news. That then as the minutes went by to find out what it was really going on it wasnt a small plan plane, it was not an accident. It was a 767. Loaded with fuel because it was attempting to make the journey across the country from boston to the west coast. And images of the planes crashing into the twin towers is one that i remember and will never stop. Was confirmed it was a commercial aircraft very quickly speculation began it was a premeditated terror attack. At moments like that you want to be with your loved ones so i quietly closed the door of my office and i drove home to be with my wife and family as we watched the rest of the day unfold. 2977 americans lost their lives those that did not return home that day. And the pain is very real yet again today. And those that shook the nation to the very core but in the face of adversity we are a nation that did come together to think about those moments where the church cathedrals were filled with americans reflecting upon what had happened. Today we remember the almost 3000 people died that september morning and the survivors and First Responders and firefighters and friends and family to those we lost taking the time to remember to also reflect who we are as a nation the americans were strong and resilient after the 9 11 attacks we responded with strength and we are most grateful he would just grateful to those who are serving in the armed forces. Most recently last december i flew to afghanistan carrying 60 pounds to deliver to the 495h battalion of the Army National guard and receiving a brief that day to remind yet again this war against terrorism exists at the very moment. I can tell you this because of the men and women served in the armed forces and Law Enforcement across the nation that because of that we can stand here a today without another terror attack like we saw from 9 11. That there are plots being created and attempted to hit the homeland again. If not for those brave men and women in the special forces who has a career in special forces to oversee the operations to continue to remain vigilant despite global terrorism. They want us to be afraid but we dont give up. When america is strong so are the allies. Be sure to maintain that reagan doctrine of peace through strength in the world would never forget what 18 years ago. Years despite the political differences, we must always remember we are in this togethe together. Americans are stronger when we are united. The force of evil or terror to overcome the will and the determination of a free and united people. To bless the fighting men and women and blessed United States of america. I you back. Sumac september 11 is a solid anniversary and 18 years later we stille remember. To lose our lives in the attacks of the twin towers. Lives lost to go toward danger and death. And then the whole world came to admire. Reth the fire and smoke so Many Americans with the force of our lives. And to remain in the fight today. Young kids witness firefighters rushing into where the towers and those units with oldfashioned names generation of Intelligence Officers preventing another 9 11 and their lives continue to be altered and the consequences of september 11th are still with us. The attack of 18 years ago claims new victims r in his First Responders and others succumb to injury and illnesses tracing back to that morning. The al qaeda terrorist who attacked us are bloodied but undefeated but those who gave them safe haven need we gain control but our brave soldiers sailors airmen and marines continue to fall in the line of duty. Just last week Army Sergeant first class was killed in the ,battlefield september 11th is the valor and sacrifice it continues to unfold in the years after the fact memories may strengthen the resolve and maybe you never ever forget. I yield the floor. The senator from oklahoma. 18 years ago today my office in Oklahoma City a staff member poked her head into the office and said to me there is a freak accident that has happened in new york city. A foot a plane flew into the World Trade Center. So we pulledn in the rolling cart and the Younger Generation has no idea what that is and we plugged it in andch watched it. Than the second plane flew in and we stood there silently knowing that it was not an accident that murder on a massive scale and tear like i have never witnessed with my own eyes. What i didnt know at that moment how many thousands of lives would be affected in the nation would be changed. That morning 18 years ago seven oklahomans died but the nation was forever changed. The term and moaned as the terms like terror watch list, tsa or department of Homeland Security or body scanners or the patriot act those did not exist september 1 2001 it is all come since then. As elation nation learns how to do more security and how to engage it is a painful lesson than what people think in an isolated village in a remote country and what they think matters to us. What they may carry out if left alone when ignored to kill family members and fellow americans took almost 3000 americans died that day but since that time. , we have push back. Not against the people of afghanistan or iraq or muslims but a specific ideology that intensely hates the freedom of america andl intentionally plans to kill americans theyd have never met and not only take it seriously but we must not wait until they carry out a fight. If they are planning and are preparing it or have the capability then we should assume they will do it and since that time. , american menak and women have taken the fight to people who want to kill more americans. But its also been at the great cost of blood and treasure 2000 have died in iraq 2353 americans have died in afghanistan. Fiftyone our fellow oklahomans and 72 from iraq. Today i pulled out of my closet a specific tie that i rarely wear but it was given to me by a gold star wife who never ever wanted to be a gold star wife she just wanted to be the wife of chris horton who she intensely love. Going to afghanistan to serve the country in the National Guard and died for our freedom. And two years later she handed me this tie and said he hated wearing ties but you have to wear them all the time. Just remember him. We as americans will not forget and we have not forgotten. There are flags all over america today. Just to remember. Moms and dads that hug their kids tight this morning before they left and the kids did not even know why. And there are places that are gathering to pray for peace because we are a nation of peace and we have no desire for war. Pain and penalty of blood and loss of four with no desire to be at war across the world. But we looked forward to the day when the guns are silent again and finally concludes in a time of peace can be restored again. But today we are just a nation remembering and praying for the town of peace to come. And to tell pollster families, families that have sent to other parts of the world we have not forgotten and we are grateful and serve as a nation. I yield back. The senator from illinois. Let me say i joined the sentiments expressed from the center from a oklahoma starting with a moment of silence through this last speech to remember the historic american significance the fact that both came together to show that there is hope when it comes to the nation and the ivalues for brings us together is a powerful force of memory and promise and the future of thisi country and want to salute our colleagues specifically from oklahoma about the families in his state touched by this tragedy. A senator from maine. Earlier today we commemorated those who lost their lives on september 11, 2001. Eighteen memories have passed but the memories of that day remains as vivid as if it were yesterday. We each had our own recollections of where we were and what we were doing as part of that horrifying terrorist attacks began to unfold. I remember having the television on and watching a report that a plane originally reported as a small plane had struck one of the twin towers. Shortlyho thereafter i then saw the second aircraft strike the World Trade Center but then i knew the country was under attack. I told my staff to stay away buildingcapital because i feared it too could be a target. Today we all still share the powerful emotions of shock and anger and grief. I was worried not only about my staff for those in thebu buildin building, but also Staff Members who were on their way back from Portland Maine which turns out some of the terrorists began their journey of death and destruction that day. On the evening of that terrible day members off congress gathered together on the steps of the us capital with tears in our eyes and so on sorrow in our hearts , we sing god bless america. The emotions of shock and anger and grief were joined by unity and resolve and patriotism. That swept over us as we saying and the challenges that we face in the fight against terrorism. So many were killed that horrific day. In my state of maine to remember robert and Jackie Norton a devoted and retired couple and then to celebrate and also has a devoted father on his way to a business meeting in california. We remember Robert Schlegel who was celebrating his recent promotion to commander in the u. S. Navy and was still settling into his new office at the pentagon. We remember stephen ward working on the 101st floor of the north tower that morning. A we join all americans in remembering the nearly 3000 people who lost their lives thatda day. Lives of accomplishments and contribution and promise. The hearts of families and friends and we honor the heroes of that day. We are still moved by this selfless courage of men andt women from flight 93 who wrestled the plane to the ground in pennsylvania to sacrifice their life so others might live. We are inspired by the firefighters and ems personnel and Police Officers at the World Trade Center that continues to climb aboard to rescue those who were in peril even as the twin towers were coming down. The new York City Fire department alone lost 343 firefighters who responded to the attack. We pay tribute today and every day to the First Responders and military personnel the civilians who went into the smoke and the flames at the pentagon to lead others to safety. To express our gratitude to those who have given so much to defend the nation against terrorism and the men and women of armed forces. While millions watched as the tragedy unfolded on that da day, there were thousands of courageous First Responders who rushed to the world p trade center in pennsylvania and those that rush to the pentagon to help search for victims and to help bring anyone they could to safety. It still inspires us. To put themselves in imminent danger and later on and now that the debris that they were exposed to has created chronic illnesses. The best that i heard of the 9 11 compensation victim find it to ensure those to say the fellow american will always be supported. September 11 was a day of personal tragedy for so many families. It was also an attack we must never forget continue the pledge that we made that directed them to do all that we can to prevent future attacks. The fundamentalio obligation of government is to protect people and since september 112,001 we havent done much to meet the obligation that more work remains. In the aftermath form verse senator from connecticut and i are the leaders of the senate Homeland Security committee working in a bipartisan way those of the 9 11 commission and their families and to pass the most sweeping reforms of our intelligence and then passing by a vote of 81 96 two in those hundreds of amendments but not a single one was decided by the party line vote. In what seems like a moment, september 11, 2001 was transformed from a day like any other into one that forever will stand. The last reminds us to put value above all the m must protect and the heroism reminds us of the incomparable spirit of the american people. Our accomplishments remind us and then to t