STATEMENT OF REP. JIM RAMSTAD BEFORE THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

My friends from home and I are also praying today for a miracle, as Gordon Aamoth, Jr., from our community of Wayzata, Minnesota, who worked in the World Trade Center, is still unaccounted for.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all the victims and their loved ones. And our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the many American heroes who are still out there with the rescue and recovery operations.

Let us be clear. This Congress stands united and unanimous in our resolve to use every resource available to track down these dastardly terrorists and destroy them. We also stand united in supporting our President and Commander-in-Chief in taking quick and decisive action against these cowardly, despicable terrorists.

Mr. Speaker, the people of America will prevail because we are Americans. As the President said last night, "A great people have been moved to defend a great nation."

Mark my words, the United States will recover and we will hold these heinous terrorists accountable for their brutal and barbaric acts of war.

Mr. Speaker, today the healing begins. Through our tears, we pray for strength. Through our anger, we pray for resolve. Through our hurt, we pray for healing.

And most of all, Mr. Speaker, we pray for our fellow Americans who were killed or injured yesterday, as well as their families and friends who grieve so deeply. Mere words are inadequate to express our sympathy, and sorrow.