"This is a national attack against all Americans," Saxton said. "I grieve for those murdered and injured. My prayers and condolences go out to them and their families in their hour of great need. Now is the time to pull together."

The House reconvened at 10 a.m. to begin a series of short statements by Members from around the country. The House will then recess for a Members' national security briefing. At 2 p.m. the House is set to return to legislative business to consider a resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the terrorist attacks launched against the United States on September 11, 2001.

"Our country is not going to be deterred by acts of terrorism," Saxton said. "Members of Congress stand united with the nation, with the President, with our armed forces at our side, in promising to respond to attack on American citizens. If our enemies think we will back away from attack, if we will retreat from terrorism, they don't know Americans. There will be a day of reckoning for these acts of terror."

Saxton is the chairman of the House Special Oversight Panel on Terrorism, created by Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert last year. Saxton was chosen to head the panel because of his involvement with terrorism issues.

The Capitol Building, Cannon Building (where Saxton's offices are located) and other congressional and federal offices are open for business. Saxton said his offices in New Jersey and Washington will attempt to aid his constituents in any way possible.

"We know we have constituents who commute to New York," Saxton said. "We will attempt to render any service we can."

Congress went into session Monday, and will continue with various appropriations bills through September and October.