happened. and what we can do to stop this from ever happening in the united states again. we have made a lot of progress since 9/11. the department of homeland security was created after 9/11. my committee was created as a result of 9/11. everything we do on the committee and in the department is to make sure we can prevent another 9/11 from happening. so it's a very solemn moment that we reflect on, and remember those who lost their lives and never forget. >> obviously the wars that were launched after that are now entering their 16th year in the case of afghanistan. 14 for iraq. is america safer today than it was on september 10th, 2001? >> i think our intelligence apparatus, our homeland security apparatus has improved. i don't think a large scale operation like 9/11 could happen again. europe is getting more attacks, but the threat is still alive and well.