EMILY's List Women Respond to 9/11

The elected members of the EMILY's List family hold powerful positions in their roles in the House and Senate, some directly working with Armed Services, the Intelligence Committee, and Homeland Security. Their leadership on these issues have gone a long way to help make America safer and care for our troops and veterans in the wake of 9/11. Here are some of their statements on the 10th anniversary of that horrible day.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota said we must look past the bad to see the good.

"While we remember the evil acts of a few, we most remember the heroic acts of many," she said.

"We remember the brave first responders who risked, and in many cases, sacrificed their lives to help others. And others that ran toward and not away from those burning buildings."

Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri similarly responded by highlighting the strength of Americans.

"It’s a testament to the resiliency of the American people that ten years after the unprovoked attacks orchestrated by Osama bin Laden, he has been brought to justice— and we are rebuilding out of the ahses. Though we know that the wounds from that terrible day will never fully heal, America is stronger today than it was a decade ago, in large part thanks to the sacrifice and service of our courageous troops and their families, as well as the intelligence community. I join all Americans today in praying for, and giving thanks to our troops, police, firefighters, first responders, and those working behind the scenes who keep our communities safe. September 11th was a defining moment of tragedy in our nation’s history. It was also a moment that united all Americans in common grief and common purpose. As we remember the family and friends we lost that day, as well as all the thousands of men and women lost fighting to secure our freedom in the ten years since, it’s my hope that we can regain that sense of common purpose. Because only together can we confront the challenges that face our nation today and secure America’s future for the generations who’ll follow us.”

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono said:

"While our lives changed forever ten years ago, on this and every September 11, let us recapture the spirit of unity and aloha to stand together to build a stronger country."

Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin talked about the fear Washington experienced on that day and the outpouring of support from elected officials who evacuated their offices for safety.

“On September 11th our thoughts go to the horrific attacks of ten years ago. We honor the memory of all those who were lost on that day and in years since in pursuit of justice and freedom. And we continue to support their families and loved ones.

I was in Washington, DC when terrorists struck. The morning was filled with concern, confusion, anxiety, and anguish. But later in the day, I returned to the Capitol and stood on the steps with my fellow lawmakers, Democrats and Republicans together. Hand in hand, we sang “God Bless America” with one voice.

On this anniversary, let us remember 9/11 by coming together with a renewed sense of unity and purpose for the safety, security, and success of our people and our nation.”

In an op-ed on the Huffington Post, New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand recalled where she was on that frightful day, and used the opportunity to highlight the heroism of our first responders who bravely ran into the falling buildings to help get people out. But even 10 years later, Gillibrand says, public safety officials continue to need updated equipment to do their jobs faster and more effectively.

"The solution to this national security problem hasn't languished due to a lack of technological know-how. The technology exists today. It has languished due to a lack of political will. Congress cannot afford to wait another day to implement common sense legislation that would enable all of our emergency responders to communicate with each other in real time during a national crisis.

It works by providing our first responders and public safety officials with the critical interoperable radio airwaves needed to effectively communicate in the event a major response is needed. It creates the framework for the deployment of a nationwide, interoperable, wireless broadband network for public safety by allocating 10 megahertz of spectrum, known as the "D-block," to public safety. This nationwide interoperable broadband network would finally enable first responders to communicate across jurisdictions, share critical data such as video feeds and up-to-date information in real-time - making complex operations easier and safer."

Many of our members also sent out tweets remembering those who lost family and friends on 9/11.

LoisFrankel
Today, we remember those lost on 9/11, honor the bravery and heroism of so many and stand together as Americans. #GodBlessAmerica

Ann_Kirkpatrick
My prayers are with the families of the victims of September 11th today. See my full statement: bit.ly/poFtm8 #GodBlessAmerica

AnnMcLaneKuster
Today is a day of remembrance for all Americans. A day when we appreciate the courage of first responders, the... fb.me/1jxUNclts

RepKathyHochul
Just concluded a very touching 9/11 service hosted by the Amherst Fire Chiefs, past & present. Thank you for your service. #NY26 #WTC

Image above from the Chicago Sun Times features Tammy Duckworth, 8th Congressional District candidate and Illinois Army National Guardsman, salutes during the memorial service. Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Fire Department Commissioner Robert Hoff, and First Deputy Police Superintendent Alfonza Wysinger among others participate in a National Moment of Remembrance to pay tribute to the 9/11 victims and their families at the "Little Cubs" field in Humboldt park on Sunday,