I am proud of the way Americans have reacted with courage and patriotism as we continue to come to grips with what has happened.  No doubt, there are stories all across this nation such as those I have heard from my hometown of Prescott, where on Tuesday, my daughter, Sydney, was part of a group who helped make red, white, and blue ribbons for people to wear during the county fair parade that evening, and where I later learned that my son’s fourth grade class has decided to lead a school and community wide effort to collect pennies, which will be turned into dollars and given to the American Red Cross to help in their assistance efforts.  I encourage citizens throughout south Arkansas to fly an American flag, and I encourage those who can to donate blood to the Red Cross, as I did this week in our nation’s capital.    

I understand that there have been concerns of price gouging at gas stations throughout Arkansas as a result of Tuesday’s attacks.  If you have a complaint of price gouging in your area, hold onto your receipts and notify the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at 1-800-482-8982.  Also, anyone looking for numbers to call to find out the status of a relative or loved one who may have been a victim may visit our website at www.house.gov/ross.   

In Congress, I can assure you that we stand united, Democrats and Republicans alike, with the President and the Administration in our resolve to first locate and rescue any survivors, to ensure the future safety of our travel system and indeed all Americans, and to send a message to terrorists throughout the world that the United States will not tolerate these cowardly and inhumane acts against our people.  

“President George W. Bush has proclaimed today, September 14, 2001, a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001.  I join President Bush in encouraging all Americans to observe this day by honoring the lives of all those who died as a result these horrific attacks and by comforting friends and loved ones.  I was honored to be with the President, as well as former presidents, cabinet members, and congressional colleagues, at a moving worship service today in our nation’s capital.  I ask all citizens to pray for strength and healing for our nation and relief for those who are grieving.”
 

Federal Employees: 
The Office of Personnel Management has asked employees to call 202-606-1800 for updates on office closings.

For Information on Morgan Stanley Employees:
1-888-883-4391 

FEMA:
The FEMA teleregistration line is available for victims to register for FEMA assistance in declared areas in the State of New York (Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens and Richmond Counties and the boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan) -- (800) 462-9029 

Department of Justice:
Family Assistance Center / Victims Hotline -- (800) 331-0075 

Anyone with information about the terrorist attacks should call -- (800) 483-5137 

Office of Victims of Crime (details about victims and survivors) -- (800) 331-0075 
New York City Firefighters: 

Status Information Line -- (718) 999-2541 

Airlines:
If you believe your family or loved ones were aboard one of the flights involved in the attacks: 
American Airlines -- (800) 245-0999 

United Airlines -- (800) 932-8555 

FBI Tip Web Site:  http://www.ifccfbi.gov

Report Attacks FBI Hotline -- 866-483-5137 

U.S. Justice Department's Family Assistance Center Victims Hotline: 
(800) 331-0075  

Pentagon Personnel Assigned on Sept. 11/ Families trying to locate their loved ones

Army personnel -- (800) 984-8523 or (703) 428-0002.

Navy and Marine -- (877) 663-6772.  

The Office of Victims of Crime Hotline: 
To leave contact information to get more details about victims and survivors, call (800) 331-0075.  

Hospitals: 

The Washington Hospital Center Family members of any victims can call (202) 784-2264. Other victims have been taken to other area hospitals with various injuries. 

Virginia Hospital Center has a hotline families can call at (703) 558-6763.
 

From the Children’s Defense Fund http://www.childrensdefense.org  

The following are resources for talking with children about the tragedy.  These are general resources that can be used by parents, teachers, and other caregivers to help children through these difficult days. 

The following websites have useful information:

• The Parent Center: www.parentcenter.com/general/34754.html
• American Academy of Pediatrics: www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/disastercomm.htm 
•  American Psychological Association: http://helping.apa.org/therapy/traumaticstress.html
• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: www.aacap.org

2. Turn off the TV.  Overexposure to the media can be traumatizing.  If your older children are watching the news, be sure to watch with them.

3. Be aware that your child's age will affect his or her response.  Adolescents in particular may be hard hit by these kinds of events.  Obtaining counseling for a child or adolescent soon after a disaster may reduce long-term effects.

4. Calmly express your emotions, but remember that a composed demeanor will provide a greater sense of security for your child.

5. Give your children extra time and attention and plan to spend more time with your children in the following months.  

6. Let your children ask questions, talk about what happened, and express their feelings.
  
7. Play with children who can't talk yet to help them work out their fears and respond to the atmosphere around them.  

8. Keep regular schedules for activities such as eating, playing and going to bed to help restore a sense of security and normalcy.  

9. Consider how you and your child can help.  Children are better able to regain their sense of power and security if they feel they can help in some way.