Members of Congress Vow to Answer the Act of War
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Local lawmakers vowed that the US must respond to Tuesday’s terrorist attacks in New York and Washington but also took time to remember the New England residents who were killed in the attacks.
“The attack (on Tuesday) is different than anything before and warrants a response different than anything before,” said Se. John Kerry, (D-Mass.) at a press conference held yesterday afternoon.
The Capitol was closed to tourists yesterday with added security in and around the building. Nearby streets that usually are filled with afternoon traffic were closed and all flags were flying at half staff.
“No one should discount the full measure of the nature of this attack,” Kerry said, calling Tuesday’s violence an “act of war.”
Kerry said both Democrats and Republicans support President George W. Bush and administration attempts to find a response that is appropriate to the magnitude of the attacks.
“We need to be thoughtful in how we respond,” said Kerry, adding that in a war against terrorism the first strike is usually never the worst strike nor is it the last.
“On a person level, Massachusetts is deeply affected and impacted by what has happened,” he said.
Kerry said that both he and Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy were hoping to return to Boston today (Thursday).
In his own news conference, Sen. Kennedy said it is important that allies in Europe understand the significance of this event. NATO declared yesterday that the attack on the U.S. was an attack on the entire alliance and backed military action by the U.S. in response.
“We need a resolve that’s equal to the resolve of the terrorists, a resolve that’s long and ongoing,” said Kennedy.
While making a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives yesterday, Mass. Rep. Martin Meehan (D-Lowell) took time to remember the 42 Massachusetts natives and residents who died in the attacks.
“While the entire nation mourns the loss of innocent life, many families in Massachusetts are experiencing loss on a personal level as two of the airplanes used in this attack began their journey in Boston,” said Meehan.
“I wish to honor and remember the men, women and children of Massachusetts who died at the hands of terror yesterday, and whose names will forever testify to America’s commitment to freedom,” he said.
While on the House Floor, N.H. Rep. Charles Bass (R- ) also took time to remember victims from his state.
“My thoughts and my prayers are with the families and friends of the New Hampshire pilots and passengers whose lives were lost in this cowardly attack and with the many other Americans who were killed and injured as a result of this attack,” said Bass.
In a written statement, N.H. Rep. John Sununu (R- ) said, “We will meet this challenge united-knowing that our freedom is our greatest strength and knowing that in our resolve to protect freedom, we will not fail.”
