Regarding Authorization of Force
Joint Resolution

September 14, 2001

WASHINGTON - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas) delivered the following statement on the floor of the House of Representatives in support of S.J. Res 23, the Authorization for Use of Military Force, on the evening of Friday, September 14, 2001:

"It now appears that Tuesday's attacks will have taken over 5,000 of our friends, family, and neighbors from us. Five thousand innocents murdered because they were Americans. If this does not call for an American military reaction of some sort, then I don't know what does. We're talking about double the number killed at Pearl Harbor, and clearly the largest military attack on American civilians in our nation's history.

"Tuesday's attacks were not the actions of an isolated and poorly organized hate group. A well-funded, international terrorist organization has declared war on us and we can do no less than fight this enemy as we would any nation that had committed the same atrocities. Whether it is next week, next month, or next year, we know the only message these butchers will understand is a timely, decisive show of American might.

"Our decision to take action will not be made in haste. We will pinpoint those responsible and make our judgement swift and effective. This is not about revenge, it is a means of ensuring that those who would wreak acts of terror upon the United States know the price for their barbarity. America is the world's symbol of freedom, of prosperity. The idea that is America has been savagely attacked and we have an obligation to the world to defend the values embodied in our nation.

"Nations across the world have offered their condolences, their prayers, and pledges of logistical support should we choose to take military action. They know that the next attack may not be New York or Washington, but Brussels or London. We have the responsibility and the power to bring these terrorists to justice.

"The challenge has been issued and now it is up to us to decide whether we will rise to the occasion. Supporting the President is our duty to the victims and to the world."