September 11th, Ten Years Later
Washington,
Sep 9, 2011 -
The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 profoundly changed our nation forever. Every day I have served Central Washington in Congress has included important business and lasting memories, however no day will remain etched in my mind so vividly as the day America was under attack.
In the ten years since the largest attack on U.S. soil, it is difficult to comprehend how our everyday lives have changed beyond enhanced screening at airports and citizens looking out for suspicious packages. In many respects, the United States has become more secure in the last decade in less obvious ways. Particularly, the consolidation of 22 separate agencies and offices into a single, Cabinet level department for Homeland Security. Since the formation of the Department of Homeland Security, the United States has seen enhanced border security, more streamlined intelligence and communications, modernized response to terrorist threats, and no further attacks on U.S. soil.
Today we have soldiers who are voluntarily defending our nation, and making the ultimate sacrifice in the war on terror. Currently over 6,000 brave men and women have lost their lives in protecting our nation and defending our freedoms against the scourge of international terrorism. The incredible sacrifices of our armed forces have taken out terrorist groups all over the Middle East, an unconscionable dictator Saddam Hussein, and the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks, Osama bin Laden.
While substantial progress has been made in securing our nation, more work is necessary. Terrorism did not begin on 9/11, and it will not end as long as there are people who want to attack our way of life. Today’s threats are real and evolving, and we must constantly be working to adapt in order to keep our nation safe.
There is no guarantee that there will not be another attack, but we must remain vigilant and continue to do everything we can to minimize the possibility that an attack takes place and maximize our capacity to respond if it does. Keeping our nation secure is neither political nor partisan goal, and I will continue my work to see that Congress does everything it can to keep America safe.
