FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 10, 2004

CONTACT: Brendan Daly/ Jennifer Crider 202-226-7616

Pelosi Statement on Third Anniversary of September 11 Attacks

Washington, D.C.-- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the third anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks:

"Tomorrow, the nation will commemorate one of the saddest and most agonizing days in our history, when thousands of our relatives, neighbors, and friends perished in the terrorist attacks in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.  On September 11, 2001, our country was forever transformed.  Horrified, outraged, struck numb with grief, we united together as Americans, utterly committed to defeating terrorism.

"This week, all across the country, we will memorialize the victims in public ceremonies and private remembrances.  The thoughts and prayers of the entire nation will be with their families.  The best memorial we can offer to those whose lives were lost, and those whose lives were shattered, on that September morning is to maintain a laser-like focus on winning the war on terror.  The threat that we did not recognize clearly enough three years ago confronts us still.  Saying we are safer today is not enough.  We must answer: 'Are we as safe as we should be?' 

"We must do everything in our power to defend America, to prevent another attack, and to root out terrorism wherever it exists, while ensuring the safety of the American people and the ideals on which this country was founded.  That is the work that should be the priority of the nation, and this Congress, today and every day.

"As we remember the victims of September 11 and their families, we must also remember those who have borne special burdens in the years since the attacks, particularly the men and women of our armed forces and our first responders.  Whatever advances we have made in the past three years have been due to their courage, their patriotism, and their devotion to duty.  The nation owes them a great debt, best repaid by ensuring that they have the resources they need to do their jobs and the support they, and their families, deserve when their service results in special sacrifice.

"September 11 is hallowed ground, and the actions of this Congress in the coming weeks must be guided by that recognition.  Our debates, our votes, our laws must be worthy of the victims, their families, and those who have sacrificed so much in the years since.  I hope that it is a comfort to those who lost their loved ones, and those who were injured in the attacks, that so many people in our country and throughout the world share their grief and are praying for them at this sad time.”

“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi