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 his 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.