"On the floor of the House and Senate, where the people's business is done, Congress must press ahead to represent the American people's resolve in the face of these attacks," Saxton said. "The message is clear: We are one. We will not be deterred. We will seek out those who have targeted innocent civilians."

In the wake of the attacks, the House of Representatives has passed:
 
*Resolution condemning the attack. Passed Sept. 12 unanimously. Also passed Senate.
*The legislation H.R. 2882 of U.S. Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-08), who represents the area of Manhattan devastated by the destruction of the twin towers. It provides that payments be made to officers and their families under the federal Public Safety Officers Benefits program if a public safety officer was in fact killed or suffered a catastrophic injury in the line of duty of rescue or recovery efforts related to the terrorists attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The bill expedites payments to the families of public safety officers killed or who suffered catastrophic injury in the line of duty responding to the terrorist attacks. Enactment of H.R. 2882 will ensure these families and survivors of the attacks receive aid and comfort within 30 days of certification of status, instead of the customary several months to reach the intended recipients. The program provides a lump sum benefit - approximately $150,000-180,000 currently - to eligible survivors of Federal, State, and local public safety officers whose death or catastrophic injury was sustained in the line of duty. It passed Sept. 13, 413-0.
*Victims' Tax Relief (of which Saxton is a cosponsor), which shields victims from estate tax or "death tax," and from having to pay income taxes on FEMA assistance payments and compensation by airlines. It plans relief of the estate tax for families of victims who lost their lives, similar to existing laws that give estate tax relief to members of the armed services who die during combat service to their nation. H.R. 2884 was passed 418-0 on Sept. 13.
*The $40 Billion 2001 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Recovery From and Response To Terrorist Attacks on the United States was passed by the House of Representatives Sept. 14. The bill provides $40 billion in emergency spending for recovery from the recent terrorist attacks, and provides resources for the investigations that enhance our national security. All of the funds appropriated will remain available until expended. The bill was passed unanimously, 222-0. It also passed the Senate.
*H. J. Res. 64, which authorized President Bush the authority to use all necessary military force against any nation, organization or person the President determines caused or aided the terrorism attack on N.Y.C. and Washington, D.C. The measure passed Sept. 14 by a vote of 220-1. Also passed in Senate.

"Like the rest of the nation, Congress must go back to work in the face of this tragedy," Saxton said. "It is imperative that we cease politics and resume the government."
 
Upcoming congressional action includes work on the numerous federal appropriation bills needed to keep the federal government operating (the fiscal year expires at the end of the month). Also, there is a movement among Members to declare Sept. 11 a National Day of Remembrance.

"Partisan Politics has ground to a halt in Washington," Saxton said. "There is no such thing as a Democrat or Republican in Congress. Right now, there are only Americans. We will work to protect the citizens, economy and freedoms we represent."