WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Mike Honda (CA-15) issued the following statement on the sixth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks upon the United States:

“As we remember those who lost their lives during the 9/11 attacks we must also honor their memories by doing everything in our power to prevent another tragic event of that nature.

“Those brutal attacks on our country left a scar upon every American. The people of California’s 15th Congressional District mourn alongside the rest of the country for the loss of so many of our nation’s citizens

“To prevent another tragedy of such magnitude in our nation’s most vulnerable cities, just a month ago Congress passed the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act, which was recently signed into law. This legislation enacted the remaining recommendations of the bipartisan 9/11 Commission. Some of those include the scanning of 100 percent of all United States-bound seaborne containers before they leave foreign ports and the strengthening of efforts to prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction, such as the program that secures nuclear materials in the former Soviet Union.

“The bill also makes a top priority the acquisition of vital interoperable communications equipment for our first responders --many of whom perished during the attacks.

“As we work to protect our country, we must not forget that our nation was founded with the greatest respect for individual liberties. We must not let the terrorist threat blind us to the importance of ensuring those freedoms exist for all Americans. We will not let terrorists destroy our traditions of liberty for all.

“Our challenge is great, but our capacity is greater still. America will triumph over those who wish to do us harm, and the people of California’s 15th Congressional District stand with firm and united patriotism in support of our great nation.”