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November 30, 2001
Going Back to Work, With New Priorities
Washington, D.C.- As our nation comes to terms with the ensuing war on terrorism, while absorbing the heavy emotional toll of the attacks on Sept. 11 and the continuing threats of more terrorism, I've been proud to see Congress follow the lead of the American people, and come together during this time of national crisis.
We have moved swiftly to bring the terrorists to justice here and abroad, to enact more stringent security measures, and to work to prevent further terrorist attacks.
Shortly after the attacks, we quickly but carefully gave the President the authority to use "all necessary and appropriate force" against those responsible for the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington. The military attacks on terrorist camps in Afghanistan continues today.
We also swiftly and unanimously approved $40 billion in emergency spending in the wake of the disasters. The funds were used to pay for recovery efforts, for the massive criminal investigation, and for increased transportation security measures.
I also supported legislation that gives law enforcement personnel the tools they need to combat terrorism. This new law will help us to do more to protect our borders from terrorists, as well as to hunt down those terrorists who may already be here. We are in a new war, and we must update our legislation to allow our law enforcement to help wage this war.
A bill we recently sent to the President's desk includes anti-money laundering legislation to help law enforcement dry up the terrorists' financial resources. I voted for this legislation on the floor and when we considered it in the Financial Services Committee. The bill will establish a partnership between the public and private sector to help law enforcement identify, track, and stop terrorists' financial activity.
And we've worked to repair the damaged economy, which was already on shaky ground before the terrorist attacks. In October, we passed the Economic Security and Recovery Act of 2001. In this bill, two-thirds of the tax relief is provided in the first year, for a total of $100 billion.
As the President has said, the campaign against terrorism will be a long one. But we must maintain our resolve to eliminate these terrorists, so that future generations can live in peace, without fear.
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