Why It Matters

In a rare moment of bipartisan accord, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are backing a resolution to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. H.Res.1511 has 114 Democratic cosponsors and 104 Republican cosponsors.

The resolution acknowledges a day that reshaped American governance and national priorities. The attacks on September 11, 2001, altered the work routines of members and staff throughout the House and changed the nation's legislative focus on Capitol Hill.

The resolution is still pending committee action.

What the Resolution Does

The bipartisan resolution recognizes the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and honors the memory of the victims. It also recognizes the courage and sacrifice of heroes who answered the call to serve in response to the attacks, acknowledges charitable organizations that continue to support survivors and victims' families, and reaffirms the enduring commitment of the United States to never forget the attacks.

Building Consensus Across Party Lines

The resolution's sponsor is Rep. Andrew R. Garbarino, a Republican from New York's 2nd district. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-11) is a cosponsor of H.Res.1511. Rep. Daniel S. Goldman, a New York Democrat, and Rep. Michael Lawler, a New York Republican, also back the measure.

Why the Bipartisan Appeal

The attacks themselves created a shared national experience. The official death toll from the September 11 attacks, not including the 19 terrorists, is 2,977 people.

The attacks had a profound effect throughout American society. Thousands of first responders and people who worked or lived in lower Manhattan near Ground Zero were exposed to toxic dust, debris, and other contaminants when the towers collapsed and during the cleanup that followed.

One of the planes involved in the September 11 attacks was believed to be headed to the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

The Broader Context

The House Intelligence Committee, led by Rep. Elise Stefanik, held a hearing in July as part of a year-long bipartisan review of the 9/11 Commission Report recommendations to discuss the next-generation of threats 25 years after September 11th. The national security challenges present 25 years ago following the 9/11 attacks remain present today.

Long-Term Support Structures

The Never Forget the Heroes Act, enacted in July 2019, fully funded the Victim Compensation Fund to pay all eligible claims.

New York's 9/11 assistance programs are federally funded through 2090.

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