Mr. Speaker, today I rise to join my colleagues and millions of Americans in mourning and honoring those who bravely lost their lives on September 11th five years ago.  Their memories must not be forgotten, and we must ensure they did not die in vain. 

Unfortunately, the resolution before us places politics ahead of honoring our fallen heroes, and it does nothing to ensure that our nation becomes safer.  It is nothing but a divisive and partisan measure that allows Republicans to pat themselves on their backs to give them piece of mind.  Well, I refuse to be complacent. 

We need to get back on track in implementing the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations.  Our borders, ports, and virtually every entry into our country remain unsecured.

One of the worst-case scenarios experts fear is that terrorists would be able to smuggle nuclear materials into our ports.  This is an unacceptable reality.  As the lead Democrat on the Subcommittee for the Prevention of Nuclear and Biological Attack, I have called for the installation of radiation portal monitors at designated ports of entry to screen all inbound cargo for radiological or nuclear materials. 

We need to significantly strengthen our radiation detection technology and we need to do it now.  Five years after the terrorists attacked our country, we still lack the capability to identify exactly what comes through our ports.  I urge my colleagues to refocus our efforts on implementing the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, as this is truly the way to honor the heroes who lost their lives on that devastating day five years ago.   

Thank you, Mr. Speaker