Congresswoman Nancy PelosiPelosi Statement at First Public Hearing of House-Senate Joint Inquiry Into September 11
Congresswoman Nancy PelosiHouse Democratic Whip Nancy Pelosi, the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, issued the following statement this morning at the first public hearing of the House-Senate Joint Inquiry into September 11:
"Mr. Chairman, I join you in welcoming today’s very important witnesses.
When we began our joint inquiry eight months ago, we began with a moment of silence. We did this in recognition of the tragedy that had befallen us, the gravity of the responsibility we faced, and the obligation we had to the families of those who lost their lives.
Today, it is appropriate that we begin the first public hearing of this joint committee with testimony from the families, and that this inquiry be viewed through the prism of the families of the victims of the terrible tragedies that occurred at the World Trade Center, at the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania.
The dignity shown by the thousands of family members has been an inspiration to our country and a tribute to their loved ones. They have risen to an occasion that they could never have imagined --their strength has lifted the spirits of all Americans.
In welcoming our witnesses here today, I want to express the appreciation I know that every American feels toward them - appreciation of the depth of their grief and the leadership that has sprung from their sadness. To Kristen Breitweiser, the co-chairperson of September 11th Advocates, which is helping other families, and to Stephen Push, co-founder of Families of September 11 -- thank you for your courage.
As we address the challenge September 11 presents to our country, we are walking on hallowed ground, respecting the sacrifice of those who died, and ensuring that justice will be done. We must find answers, reduce risk to the American people, and comfort the families.
Families of those affected by September 11 talk of their continuing reactions to events that used to be no cause for concern. For some family members, every time a plane goes overhead, they experience deep fear. We must remove that fear.
We are all united in our determination to win the war against terrorism. We all agree that this battle will be won and that we will succeed by working together.
The House and Senate Intelligence Committees have a responsibility to ensure that Congress conducts a thorough assessment of the performance of the intelligence agencies leading up to and including September 11. The committees have decided that the best way to do that is to work cooperatively in a bipartisan manner on an inquiry conducted by the House and the Senate.
A joint investigation is an unusual step, but the events of September 11 call for unusual measures. Our purpose is not to assign blame, but to identify areas that could lessen the chance that another September 11 could happen. We must do everything we can to prevent another such terrible tragedy.
In doing so, we will balance the need to enhance physical security for Americans with the duty to preserve the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. The victims of September 11th gave their lives for these freedoms.
The goal of terrorists is to instill fear. That fear can change a way of life for a society. We can and we must do things to reduce that fear in a way that respects our people, protects our founding principles and protects and defends our communities.
The words of America the Beautiful ring true in describing the great cities of Washington D.C. and New York, and indeed, the nation.
'O beautiful for patriot dream. That sees beyond the years. Thine alabaster cities gleam. Undimmed by human tears.'
Today, those tears are fresh. But this is America, land of the free and - as the victims and their families have shown us - home of the brave.
I hope that all that we do in the joint inquiry and in rooting out terrorism says to the families 'peace be with you.' "
