Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. press release "in condemnation of the terrorist attacks on New York, the Pentagon, and passenger airlines," September 13, 2001

MEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Rood, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 21093 3 1 5 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 205 1 5 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Henry Fawell Thursday, September 13, 2001 202/225-3061 The following statement was delivered by Representative Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., (MD-2) today to the US. House of Representatives. IN CONDEMNATION OF THE TERRORIST ATTACKS ON NEW YORK, THE PENTAGON, AND PASSENGER AIRLINERS 9/13/2001 Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday September 11, 2001, the history of our great nation was altered forever. Four jumbo-jet airliners carrying hundreds of Americans were used as missiles to end the lives of thousands of friends, neighbors, and loved ones. The terrorists controlling these aircraft completely destroyed New York’s World Trade Center and devastated the Pentagon. These images are indelibly scarred in our national psyche, the swift and deadly work of cowards. Now is the time to rescue those alive and trapped, aid those whose lives have been tom apart, and help those who have lost friends and loved ones. All of us can help by donating blood and money to the Red Cross and to keep those involved in your thoughts and prayers. Mayor Rudy Giuliani, speaking for the citizens of New York City, is deeply grateful for the outpouring of support, donations, and volunteers. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Henry H. Shelton have pledged that the Pentagon remains functional and American military might is prepared and ready to respond when so ordered. Civilized nations and peoples of the world have been unwilling participants in a war of terrorism. Whether fueled by religious extremism, cultural bias, or political philosophy — thugs, cowards, and opportunists have waged a war against innocent civilians. These enemies of good have struck out against symbols of America’s political, military, and financial might. The full array of America’s will and power will now be brought into this unconventional, yet nonetheless real, war. In the process, the U.S. will no longer make a distinction between those who commit these acts and those who provide them safe harbor, whether they are nations or individuals. The goal of these barbaric acts was to destroy American morale and unity. Their mission has failed. Americans are now filled with a sense of violation and an unwavering resolve.