Congressman Jim Saxton managed debate on the House floor on H.RES. 368, a resolution honoring the men and women who are six weeks ahead of schedule rebuilding the Pentagon. Introduced last week by Rep. Mark Foley (FL-16), it has 75 original co-sponsors, including Saxton. Saxton noted the many Americans, from federal employees to U.S. troops overseas, to first responders and security personnel and ordinary, vigilant Americans, who are engaged in the war on terrorism.

"Today we chose to single out one group of people who are setting an example of American resolve," Saxton said. "And so let the word go out to the terrorists, and would-be terrorists. That we're here today and we take note of what has occurred during the last six months. And they should take note as well, about how serious we are. The men and women who are rebuilding the Pentagon are an example of that."

Saxton handled the bill as chairman of the House Military Installations and Facilities Subcommittee.

"We in Congress need to recognize the diligent, tireless work being done at one of our most important, symbolic federal buildings," Foley said. "People who hate America may have brought the walls down, but Americans who love their country and what it stands for are making them stronger than ever."

Department of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld thanked Congress for recognizing the workers' efforts in repairing the damage done on September 11th. 

"I am pleased that Congress has recognized what Pentagon renovation employees have done and continue to do to make the Pentagon whole again," Secretary Rumsfeld said. "Their labors are an example of how Americans are bonding together to rebuild what terror tried to destroy."

The resolution reads as follows:
"Commending the great work that the Pentagon Renovation Program and its contractors have completed thus far, in reconstructing the portion of the Pentagon that was destroyed by the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001. 
Whereas the Pentagon was struck by a horrible act of terrorism on September 11, 2001, taking the lives of 125 employees at the Pentagon and 64 hostages on a hijacked airplane; 
Whereas a renovation effort, known as Phoenix Project, is underway to restore the damaged portion of the Pentagon, and is pushing to have Pentagon personnel back to work in that portion of the building by September 11, 2002, just 1 short year after the terrorist attack; 
Whereas, initially working 24 hours a day and 7 days each week, the outstanding men and women of the Pentagon Renovation Program have demonstrated the Nation's resolve and know-how, and are 6 weeks ahead of schedule in the reconstruction effort; 
Whereas the 400,000 square feet of demolition work, which had to be completed before reconstruction work could begin, was completed in just 1 month, when it was estimated to take 4 to 7 months for the job; and 
Whereas the renovation effort is comprised of 15 percent government and 85 percent contracted personnel, and these individuals have clearly dedicated themselves to making this important institution whole again: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives commends the great work that the Pentagon Renovation Program and its contractors have completed thus far, in reconstructing the portion of the Pentagon that was destroyed by the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001."