The Week Just Past:

Remembering September 11^th

Thirteen years have passed since the terrorist attacks on our nation, but time has not erased the memory of those we lost on that terrible day. In honor of those who died at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and on United Flight 93, including the 700 New Jerseyans who lost their lives that fateful day, I spoke on the House floor yesterday morning.

Last night, I had the privilege of attending Livingston Township’s September 11 Memorial Service, a truly moving tribute. 

Honoring the Heroes of 9/11

Earlier this week Congress bestowed the Congressional Gold Medal on the Fallen Heroes of 9/11 in a moving ceremony at the Capitol. A medal will be presented to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City, the Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and the National Pentagon 9/11 Memorial in Arlington, Virginia.

This solemn act of remembrance and tribute will forever serve as a reminder of the lives lost in the terrorist attacks, as well as a reminder that we must remain vigilant to ensure our nation is protected against any future such assaults.

WSJ: The President’s War Plan

In recent weeks, the American people have awakened to the dire threat posed by the terrorist group, Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), a brutal extremist organization.  I welcome the President’s new focus on ISIS and how we win the war against these terrorists as their numbers appear to be growing and President Assad’s removal seems to have become a secondary objective.  As this Wall Street Journal editorialasserts, the real test will be if the President’s actions match his rhetoric.

A Must Read – David Ignatius: “Stepping warily onto the battlefield”

Washington Post columnist David Ignatius writes, “Obama has come gradually and reluctantly to his conclusion that U.S. military action is necessary against the self-described Islamic State that has taken root in Iraq and Syria…. But there are some obstacles and potential dangers hidden in the fog of policy. These aren’t arguments against strong policy so much as warnings of possible unintended consequences.” 

As the Administration lays out its plans for destroying ISIS, I will expect to hear these concerns, among others, addressed by the White House and the Pentagon before Congress acts on the President’s requests. The Ignatius “op-ed” outlines the questions that need answers from the President!

Stimulating Economic Growth for All Americans

America’s economy continues to limp along, barely growing and not creating enough jobs and opportunity for American workers. The country continues to experience the slowest recovery from recession since World War II, with the lowest level of labor-force participation since the Carter years. As William Galston argues in this compelling op-ed, we need a president who will push for policies that benefit all Americans.

The House has passed more than 40 bills to expand opportunity and create jobs for American workers. Unfortunately, they sit gathering dust on Harry Reid’s Senate desk. It’s long past time President Obama stand up for America’s workers by urging the Senate to take action on these bills.  But better late than never.

Our Military Battling Ebola

Continuing its role as the world’s ‘first responder,’ the Defense Department announced this week that it is sending a 25-bed hospital to Liberia in western Africa to help in the fight against the deadly Ebola virus there. Equipping, and logistical and training details must be worked out before the hospital can be loaded onto an aircraft transport to deliver it to the stricken nation.

In addition to the hospital, DOD officials reported that “active discussions are going on across the whole United States government about the threat posed by this terrible disease and the urgency with which the international community needs to respond to it.”  DOD has had military physicians in West Africa treating patients with the Ebola virus and battling its rapid spread.

The majority of the operation is being paid for out of existing Pentagon funding.

As with the Navy and Marine Corps response to last year’s typhoon in the Philippines, this is an example of the U.S. military rising to meet a dire humanitarian need.

Salute: Randolph High School Girls Soccer Team

I salute the hundred-plus young women affiliated with the Randolph High School soccer program who participated in the Kaleidoscope of Hope Walk in Morris Township this past Sunday to raise money and awareness about ovarian cancer.

According to the team’s website: “Kaleidoscope of Hope is near and dear to RHS Girls soccer.  Program dedication to this cause is two fold: past player/graduate Devon Vandenberg’s mother, Beverly, passed away from Ovarian Cancer during Devon’s freshman year and also for other members of the program whose lives have been affected by cancer.”

More information about Kaleidoscope of Hope New Jersey can be foundhere. 

Salute: The Canal Society of New Jersey and the Morris Canal Greenway

Congratulations to the members of the Canal Society of New Jersey and everyone else involved in continuing to preserve historic canals and to advance efforts to construct new greenway trails along much of the Morris Canal. This historic canal, which stretched 102 miles, including areas of Lake Hopatcong and Little Falls, was in operation from 1831 to 1924.  You can read about the latest progress in the Canal Society’snewsletter, “On The Level.”