March 4, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 155, Pt. 5 6371 interim steps and requirements, so bankruptcy Mr. LUJA´ N. Mr. Speaker, innovation tacks, report on the United States’ prepared- proceedings are only used as a last resort has always been a hallmark of Amer- ness for, and immediate response to, ter- after exhausting all other options to save a ican success. Innovation will transform rorist attacks, and make findings, conclu- the way we generate and store power sions, and recommendations for corrective home. measures that could be taken to prevent, Myth: This bill is another bailout for the from renewable resources, use elec- prepare, and respond to acts of terrorism; banks and will cost taxpayers tens of billions. tricity more efficiently, and create a Whereas the 9/11 Commission stated in its Fact: H.R. 1106 actually redirects existing workforce for the 21st century. report that it ‘‘interviewed more than 1,200 TARP funds from the banks to homeowners. It President Obama’s budget promotes individuals’’ to assist in making its rec- also will make sure the TARP funds are spent the development of innovative clean ommendations; on economic recovery and neighborhood sta- energy technology, modernizes the Whereas one of the groups representing the bilization rather than salted away in some electric grid, and provides the capital victims, ‘‘Voices of September 11’’, testified bank vault or paid to bank shareholders as to double renewable energy generating before the 9/11 Commission; Whereas Beverly Eckert was the widow of dividends. This bill does exactly what the capacity. With these investments we Mr. Sean Rooney, who died in the September American people have asked for; it helps will change the way our country gen- 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade homeowners rather than banks and big busi- erates, uses and delivers energy. We Center and following her husband’s death, ness. will produce jobs throughout the Beverly Eckert co-founded ‘‘Voices of Sep- Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1106 is not a perfect bill, United States and begin to end our de- tember 11’’, an advocacy group for survivors but it is one more piece in the mosaic of posi- pendence on foreign oil. and 9/11 families; tive efforts we are making to turn our economy America’s prosperity depends on bold Whereas Beverly Eckert was instrumental around. It is good for homeowners. It is good action and investments in research and in the development and growth of this im- portant advocacy group, which now claims for the future stability of our neighborhoods. It development, on our ability to adapt more than 5,500 members; is good for our nation’s economy. through innovation and on creating Whereas Beverly Eckert worked admirably That is why I ask my colleagues to join me green jobs that will build a foundation with the 110th Congress and was a key pro- later today in supporting H.R. 1106. for a clean energy economy. ponent in the final passage of the ‘‘Imple- f f menting the 9/11 Commission Recommenda- tions Act of 2007’’ as the legislation to effec- WHERE IS THE OBAMA ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER tuate the recommendations of the 9/11 Com- ADMINISTRATION ON SUDAN? PRO TEMPORE mission to prevent, prepare, and respond to acts of terrorism; and (Mr. WOLF asked and was given per- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- mission to address the House for 1 Whereas the United States will forever be ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair grateful for the services of Beverly Eckert minute and to revise and extend his re- will postpone further proceedings and mourn her loss: Now, therefore, be it marks.) today on motions to suspend the rules Resolved, That the House of Representa- Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, today the on which a recorded vote or the yeas tives— International Criminal Court issued an and nays are ordered, or on which the (1) acknowledges Beverly Eckert’s service arrest warrant for Sudan’s President vote is objected to under clause 6 of to the Nation and particularly to the sur- Bashir, charging him with seven counts rule XX. vivors and families of the September 11, 2001, of war crimes and crimes against hu- attacks; Record votes on postponed questions (2) recognizes Beverly Eckert’s work to manity. This is the first time the court will be taken later. help bring about implementation of the 9/11 has accused a sitting head of state of f Commission recommendations to prepare, war crimes. prevent, and respond to acts of terrorism; The world knows what’s happening in RECOGNIZING BEVERLY ECKERT and Sudan and Darfur, and yet the Obama FOR 9/11 VICTIMS WORK (3) extends its deepest condolences to the administration has failed to appoint a Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I move family of Beverly Eckert and the families of special envoy. I have asked him to ap- to suspend the rules and agree to the all those who lost their lives due to the crash point a former Senator, Bill Frist from resolution (H. Res. 201) recognizing of Continental Connection Flight 3407. Tennessee, who can start today. The Beverly Eckert’s service to the Nation The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- tribunal spokesman said the crimes in- and particularly to the survivors and ant to the rule, the gentleman from cluded, and I quote, ‘‘murdering, exter- families of the September 11, 2001, at- New Jersey (Mr. PASCRELL) and the minating, raping, torturing and forc- tacks. gentleman from Florida (Mr. BILI- ibly transferring large numbers of ci- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- RAKIS) each will control 20 minutes. vilians and the pillaging of their prop- tion. The Chair recognizes the gentleman erty.’’ The text of the resolution is as fol- from New Jersey. According to the U.N., an estimated lows: GENERAL LEAVE 300,000 have been killed since the H. RES. 201 Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I ask Darfur conflict began and 2.7 million Whereas on the morning of September 11, unanimous consent that all Members displaced. And yet the Obama adminis- 2001, terrorists hijacked and destroyed four have 5 legislative days in which to re- tration has failed to appoint a special civilian aircraft, crashing two of them into vise and extend their remarks and in- envoy. As recently as just yesterday, the towers of the World Trade Center in New sert extraneous material on the resolu- the AP reported that in recent weeks York City and a third into the Pentagon out- tion under consideration. 26,000 people have fled their homes in side Washington, DC; The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Darfur and flooded Zamzam refugee Whereas the passengers and crew aboard objection to the request of the gen- camps, already at 50,000. United Flight 93 acted heroically to prevent tleman from New Jersey? the terrorist hijackers from taking addi- I close by saying time is short. The tional American lives, by crashing the plane There was no objection. killing and the devastation goes on. in Shanksville, Pennsylvania and sacrificing Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise The administration must act. This can- their own lives instead; in support of this resolution and yield not wait. Whereas thousands of innocent men, myself such time as I may consume. f women, and children were brutally murdered I rise in support of H. Res. 201, which in the attacks of September 11, 2001; recognizes Beverly Eckert’s service to INNOVATION HAS ALWAYS BEEN A Whereas pursuant to Public Law 107–306, the United States of America, particu- HALLMARK OF AMERICAN SUC- the 9/11 Commission was formed to ascertain, larly the survivors and the families of CESS evaluate, and report on the evidence regard- the attack on September 11, 2001. ´ ing the terrorist attacks; (Mr. LUJAN asked and was given per- Whereas the 9/11 Commission was also re- Ms. Eckert was the widow of Mr. mission to address the House for 1 quired in Public Law 107–306 to make a full Sean Rooney, who was killed in the minute and to revise and extend his re- and complete accounting of the cir- World Trade Center on September 11. marks.) cumstances surrounding the terrorist at- For many, the devastating loss of a

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Beverly was a passenger on Flight Mrs. MALONEY. I thank the gen- When some tried to dismiss her call 3407 on her way to Buffalo to mark tleman for yielding and for his con- for answers, she pressed on and co- what would have been her husband’s stant leadership and support for the founded the ‘‘Voices of September 11,’’ birthday and launch a scholarship in 9/11 families and for the reforms to an advocacy group for survivors which his memory. We lost an inspiring and make our country safer and to my good now claims more than 5,500 members. tenacious champion in Beverly, and we friend and colleague LOUISE SLAUGH- This led to the creation of the Na- must continue to honor her memory TER, who authored this resolution. tional Commission on Terrorist At- and accomplishments. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support tacks upon the United States—or the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The of the resolution honoring Beverly 9/11 Commission—and we all remember time of the gentlewoman has expired. Eckert, who died in a plane crash in that commission led by former Con- Mr. PASCRELL. I yield the gentle- Buffalo going to honor the memory of gressman Lee Hamilton and, of course, lady an additional 30 seconds. her husband on his 58th birthday. Governor Tom Kean of New Jersey. Ms. SLAUGHTER. We must continue She told me the last time she spoke Beverly Eckert did not stop there. She to honor her memory and accomplish- to him, he was in the burning towers attended the 9/11 Commission hearings ments while carrying on her mission. and the fire was coming towards him. and was there when the 9/11 Commis- Today we consider a resolution to ac- She was devoted to him. It broke her sion published its findings and rec- knowledge her service on behalf of the heart. But it did not break her spirit. ommendations. survivors and to recognize her work to She dedicated her life to making sure Mr. Speaker, I want to allow, because help protect our Nation. that other families did not suffer the of time factors with some of the Mem- The resolution also extends condo- same type of loss that she did by not bers, two young ladies who are Mem- lences to the families of all those who protecting our citizens, by putting in bers of this great body, who are always were lost on the Continental Connec- place strong homeland security laws. there first to recognize and sensitive to tion flight. As the co-Chair of the 9/11 Family those people, the real heroes of Amer- I urge my colleagues to support the Steering Committee, and I was the ica. resolution to honor the life of Beverly founder and Chair of the 9/11 Commis- I yield 2 minutes first to Ms. SLAUGH- Eckert, commemorating her valuable sion Caucus, we worked almost daily, TER from the State of New York. first to support the creation of the 9/11 Ms. SLAUGHTER. I thank both gen- service to the 9/11 survivors and fami- Commission; then to fund it, to give it tlemen for the time. lies in this country. As a New Yorker, obviously the Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield subpoena power, to give it time to do events of September 11, 2001, are really myself as much time as I may con- its work. And when they came back seared in our memory, as I am sure sume. with a report that had 47 recommenda- they are in the memory of all Ameri- Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my tions to make Americans safer, she cans. colleagues in honoring Ms. Beverly then dedicated her life to imple- On February 12, this year, 2009, the Eckert. menting them into law. I was one of Nation was shocked and saddened by Ms. Eckert lost her husband, Sean the authors of the first bill that reor- the devastating plane accident in Clar- Rooney, on September 11, 2001. Since ganized our intelligence, the first ence, New York, a few miles outside of then, Ms. Eckert has been a tireless ad- major intelligence reorganization since Buffalo. Our thoughts and prayers will vocate for the families and survivors of 1948, to share information so that we always be with the family and friends these September 11 attacks. She is the could better prevent another attack. who lost loved ones on Continental cofounder of the nonprofit foundation And then H.R. 1, which rolled all the Connection Flight 3407. Voices of September 11, which cur- other recommendations to make Amer- Today, we are here to recognize one rently has more than 5,500 members. ica safer into the bill, H.R. 1, the first of the persons on that plane, Beverly Ms. Eckert lobbied for the establish- bill that the Democratic leadership Eckert, who also lost her life on that ment of the 9/11 Commission, passage passed in the last Congress, this passed day. We thank her for her tremendous of the Intelligence Reform and Ter- with Beverly’s leadership and support. service to our Nation and particularly rorism Prevention Act, establishment She worked out of my office for 4 to the survivors and families of the of the WMD Commission, and the de- years. She would lead vigils in front of September 11, 2001, attacks. velopment of a memorial to the vic- the White House. She was at 9/11 con- Mr. Speaker, Beverly Eckert, as men- tims of the September 11 attacks at stantly raising the need and the impor- tioned, was the widow of Sean Rooney, Ground Zero. tance to pass this important legisla- who died in the September 11 attacks Ms. Eckert was a passenger on Conti- tion. She was a spirit. She was a lead- on the World Trade Center and had nental Flight 3407, which crashed on er. She was one of the finest people I been among the most visible faces of February 12, 2009, near Buffalo, New have ever met. And many, many people the victims’ families in the aftermath York. Ms. Eckert, who grew up in Buf- owe a great deal of gratitude for a safer of the attacks. Following her husband’s falo, was returning to her hometown to America because of her work. death, she cofounded Voices of Sep- honor her husband on his 58th birthday Mr. BILIRAKIS. I urge my colleagues tember 11, one of the first advocacy and establish a scholarship in his to support this resolution. groups for the survivors of 9/11 and name. Mr. Speaker, I have no further re- families. Ms. Eckert is survived by her three quests for time, and I yield back the Beverly was instrumental in the de- sisters, seven nephews and her one balance of my time. velopment and growth of this impor- niece. My heart goes out to her family Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield tant group, which is now supported by and friends. I hope they can take com- myself such time as I may consume. more than 5,500 members. Along with fort in the fact that Ms. Eckert has Instead of letting leaders in Wash- other members of the Voices of Sep- been reunited with her husband. ington pat themselves on the back for tember 11, she testified before the 9/11 I honor Ms. Eckert and all those who the 9/11 Commission, which we are apt Commission to help report on the Sep- lost their lives as a result of the tragic to do, Beverly Eckert insisted on the tember 11 terrorist attacks. crash of Continental Flight 3407. implementation of the Commission’s

VerDate Mar 15 2010 08:33 Jul 19, 2011 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\H04MR9.000 H04MR9 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with BOUND RECORD March 4, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 155, Pt. 5 6373 recommendations. When Ms. Eckert of Continental Connection Flight 3407 and the Ms. Eckert was faced with opposition and in- was told that the recommendations terrorist attacks of 9/11 by energizing our pur- difference, but she continued to press forward would be difficult to implement, she suit of the terrorists who hurt our nation. We in her fact-finding and preventative efforts. was not deterred. Where she saw there can do this by bringing to justice the perpetra- Her strong, constant voice led to the cre- were problems, she demanded and tors of those attacks and the forces behind ation of the National Commission on Terrorists worked tirelessly for solutions. She them. Attack Upon the United States—or the 9/11 traveled to Washington and pushed for Mr. Speaker, I am thankful for the oppor- Commission. After the Commission’s forma- the passage of the implementation of tunity to speak to our nation at this poignant tion, Eckert continued her mission by partici- the recommendations of the 9/11 Com- time but also a moment where we can be re- pating in hearings and demanding implemen- mission Act, as Mrs. MALONEY and Ms. minded of the arduous task that this new ad- tation of the Commission’s recommendations. SLAUGHTER pointed out. ministration faces in pursuit of terrorists and During testimony as a member of the 9/11 To sum up, Beverly Eckert was a te- seeking to raise our profile as a nation of Commission’s Family Steering Committee, nacious citizen who nudged and prod- peace. We can be a leader in the fight against Eckert praised the Commission for their efforts ded the leaders of this Nation to look terrorism and still saving the world. We can to completely inform the public as to the fail- at their mistakes and implement the only hope that Sean Rooney and Beverly are ures on September 11th through public hear- steps to correct them. Ms. Eckert was reunited in heaven. ings and reports. She also warned Congres- not interested in partisanship, fear- Mr. HIMES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a sional members and the White House in re- mongering or saber rattling. Beverly constituent and citizen activist, Beverly Eckert gards to the Commission’s recommendations Eckert was a woman who made sure who lost her life in the tragic crash of flight that, unlike other commission recommenda- that the death of her husband and 3407 just a few weeks ago. tions, implementation of 9/11 Commission rec- those who died on September 11 would In addition to being a beloved sister, aunt, ommendations would be necessary because not be in vain. In that process she and friend, Beverly, who lost her husband in ‘‘there is no shelf on which they can be hid- taught us all why we should not give the September 11 terrorist attack on the World den.’’ To that end she successfully pushed for into the fear of terrorism. Trade Center, was an impressive activist and the passage of the ‘‘Implementing Rec- I urge all my colleagues to support will be missed, both for her outspoken work on ommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of this resolution. behalf of 9/11 victims and by those who knew 2007.’’ Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, and love her. In conclusion, Beverly Eckert was a tena- I rise today in support of this resolution hon- After her husband died on September 11th, cious citizen who nudged and prodded the oring, Beverly Eckert, a great American. As a Beverly co-founded Voices of September 11, a leaders of this Nation to look at their mistakes 9/11 widow, Beverly Eckert rose above a group that serves those affected by the at- and implement the steps to correct them. Ms. daunting challenge. America has asked her to tacks and advocates for effective response to Eckert was not interested in partisanship, fear- not only overcome her grief over losing her terrorism. mongering, or saber-rattling. She was a husband, but to take on a leading role as a In the days, weeks and years after the 9/11 woman who made sure that the death of her advocate for other victims. attacks, Beverly was a tireless advocate for husband and those who died on September Beverly Eckert, who died on February 12 in the victims’ families. She spearheaded pro- 11th would not be in vain. In that process, she the crash of Continental Connection Flight tests that led politicians to set aside more land reinforced the message that you can make a 3407 in Clarence Center, N.Y., was co-found- for a memorial at Ground Zero, fought to en- difference and that we, as a nation, should not er of Voices of September 11, a group rep- sure federal authorities would thoroughly give into the fear of terrorism. resenting the victims of the September 11 ter- probe the cause of the twin towers’ collapse, I urge my colleagues to support the resolu- rorist attacks. Her husband, Sean Rooney, and spoke eloquently again and again about tion and formally recognize Ms. Beverly Eckert died in the World Trade Center. Under Eck- her husband, Sean Rooney, and the many for her continued work to ensure that the vic- ert’s leadership, Voices of September 11 grew others who died that day. tims and families of the September 11th at- into an influential advocacy group of more As a member of the Family Steering Com- tacks are never forgotten and to ensure that than 5,500 members. Eckert supported the mittee, a group of relatives of victims of 9/11, our country is protected from such attacks in work of the 9/11 Commission and urged Con- Eckert helped to spearhead the public fight for the future. Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I have gress to adopt its recommendations. Less a 9/11 Commission to investigate the attacks. no further requests for time, and I than a week before her death, she met with Throughout the years, Beverly remained ac- yield back the balance of my time. President Barack Obama at the White House tive in the fight against terrorism. This winter The SPEAKER pro tempore. The with other terrorist victims’ families to discuss she met with President Obama at the White question is on the motion offered by changes in the government’s handling of terror House along with other relatives of those killed the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. suspects. on 9/11 and in the bombing of the USS Cole PASCRELL) that the House suspend the As a member of the House Committee on to discuss how the new administration would rules and agree to the resolution, H. Homeland Security and the Chair of the Sub- handle terror suspects. Res. 201. Beverly’s activism should remind all of us committee on Transportation and Infrastruc- The question was taken. ture I am well aware of the importance of what the actions of one person can do. While The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the keeping the memory of September 11, 2001 at she did not work alone, we all have her to opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being the forefront of our conscious. thank for making us safer today. Her patriot- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. This resolution honors Beverly Eckert for ism should be admired and her citizenship Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, on her service on behalf of September 11 victims should serve as a model for us all. that I demand the yeas and nays. and their families and recognizes her work to Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- The yeas and nays were ordered. bring about the implementation of the 9/11 er, I rise in support of H. Res. 201, which rec- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Commission recommendations to prevent and ognizes the life of Beverly Eckert, a co-found- ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the respond to acts of terrorism. It extends condo- er of ‘‘Voices of September 11th’’ and the Chair’s prior announcement, further lences to Eckert’s family and the families of all widow of Sean Rooney, who was killed in the proceedings on this motion will be those who lost their lives in the Continental Twin Towers on September 11th. postponed. Connection Flight 3407 crash. Ms. Eckert worked tirelessly for ‘‘Voices of f Certainly the irony of Beverly Eckert dying in September 11th,’’ an advocacy and support a plane crash that appears to be weather-re- group of widows, mothers, and children of the RECOGNIZING THE HOMELAND SE- lated is not lost on us. That does not diminish victims of 9/11, which served as a driving CURITY DEPARTMENT ON ITS the breadth of her work over the last eight force for intelligence and homeland security in SIXTH ANNIVERSARY years. It is fitting that Beverly was greeted at the wake of the attacks of September 11, Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to the White House by President Obama just a 2001. After the attacks, Beverly Eckert fo- suspend the rules and agree to the reso- week before she perished. cused all of her emotions into organized advo- lution (H. Res. 195) recognizing and It is my hope Mr. Speaker that we continue cacy for government accountability and future honoring the employees of the Depart- to honor Beverly Eckert and the other victims transparency to make our Nation more secure. ment of Homeland Security on its sixth

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