As we remember the immense loss we suffered in the early hours of September 11, 2001, it is fitting to take time to reflect on how these attacks impacted—and continue to impact—our nation.

Ten years later we are reminded of the selflessness of the American spirit as citizens from every walk of life came together to help one another from the rubble of the collapsed towers and the Pentagon.

We are reminded of the courageous fortitude of the American soul as passengers aboard Flight 93 sacrificed themselves to avoid even greater loss of life.

We are reminded what it means to stand united for our freedoms against a common enemy.

Despite the pain caused by terrorists that fateful morning, we stand as proof that the people of the United States of America will stand united when under attack.

May we never forget the great courage of firefighters, police officers and other first responders who paid the ultimate sacrifice. May our thoughts and prayers be with the many families who lost loved ones. And may we continue to support our troops who continue to put themselves in harm’s way to defend us against future attacks.

God bless… Read More

Sunday night was one marked in history for our country. That night, I received a call from Secretary Gates alerting me that our special operations troops had launched a daring operation deep in Pakistan and killed Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the September Eleventh attacks and numerous other attacks on America. He also told me that DNA-evidence confirmed that bin Laden was dead. This was news that our countrymen had waited to hear for a long time. As Americans picked themselves up after the terrorist attacks of September Eleventh, President Bush told us that we would get Osama bin Laden and President Obama delivered on that promise. The events of 9-11 affected us all – in California, across America, and among our nation’s allies, and the memory of those killed that day are etched in my memory for life. We will never forget. And while it has taken longer than many expected, Osama bin Laden is no longer living, and his death serves as a type of proof to terrorists who wish to harm us, that no matter how long it takes, we will find justice.

Our brave military forces and their civilian counterparts who have been… Read More