Capital District Times

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Elise Stefanik published an op-ed in the Press Republican commemorating the twenty-third anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and honoring the victims, including first responders and service members.

In her piece titled "Honoring the Precious Lives Lost on September 11, 2001," Stefanik reflects on the tragic events: “Twenty-three years ago on September 11, 2001, the world witnessed the deadliest terrorist attack against the United States in our nation’s history that cut short thousands of precious lives. We are eternally grateful for the courageous first responders, service members, and citizens that came together in support of one another as the towers fell. There were no strangers on Ground Zero, only patriots helping their fellow countrymen and women."

Stefanik continues by emphasizing that nearly 3,000 innocent people lost their lives due to four hijacked planes crashing into key locations: New York City's World Trade Center, Washington D.C.'s Pentagon, and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. She highlights New York's significant loss and praises New York City first responders who sacrificed their lives to save others.

The Congresswoman outlines her efforts to ensure ongoing support for those affected by advocating for adequate funding for the 9/11 World Trade Center Health Program. She also mentions her co-sponsorship of legislation aimed at holding terrorists accountable: "I’ve also made it a priority to make sure the terrorists responsible for these horrid attacks are held responsible by cosponsoring the Justice for 9/11 Act to prevent the Biden-Harris Administration from offering plea deals to the September 11th terrorists Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin ‘Attash, and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi."

Stefanik pays tribute to military personnel who enlisted post-9/11 and acknowledges Fort Drum's role in national security: "As Representative of New York’s 21st Congressional District...these courageous soldiers have continuously deployed to defend our national security."

She further recognizes law enforcement officers and first responders residing in Upstate New York and North Country for their enduring service since September 11th.

Reflecting on American resilience post-9/11, Stefanik concludes: "Together we will always fight to ensure justice for victims...may we never forget lessons learned from that day.”

The full op-ed can be accessed [here](https://stefanik.house.gov/2024/9/https-www-pressrepublican-com-opinion-imo-honoring-the-precious-lives-lost-on-the-sept-11-2001-article-811767dc-6ee6-11ef-9c6a-5f9987ebfeb6-html).