DETROIT, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and a member of the Armed Services Committee — who served in the U.S. Navy Reserve including volunteering again after 9/11 — released the following statement in advance of Saturday’s 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001:
“Twenty years ago, a devastating attack against our country took 2,977 lives and shook the American people to our core. From the fearless first responders who so bravely ran into danger to save others – to families who were torn apart – we must never forget the sacrifice and sorrow of that horrific day. In the frightful days following September 11th, the American people faced an uncertain future. However, I will never forget how we came together to show our enemies that our resolve will always be greater than theirs.
“As we pay tribute to the victims of that horrible tragedy – we must continue working to support our heroic first responders, selfless servicemembers, and their families. This includes ensuring our government is providing increased access to mental health services for veterans who served in Afghanistan and the Global War on Terrorism around the world.
“As Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I will continue leading efforts to make sure our nation has a comprehensive strategy to monitor and combat new and persistent threats to the American people – both foreign and domestic. Congress must also conduct thorough oversight of our national security agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, to ensure the resources and authorities they are provided with are being used effectively and appropriately to safeguard the communities across our nation for generations to come.
“Today, our nation faces continuing and emerging threats, more complex and widespread than we could have imagined all those years ago. As we mark two decades since this devastating attack on the American people, we must remember to unite against these significant challenges and ensure that we never again face a catastrophe like September 11th.”
To view a video message from Senator Peters recognizing the 20th Anniversary of the September 11th attacks, please click here.
###