FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 14, 2001

CONGRESS APPROVES EMERGENCY RELIEF PACKAGE FOR NEW YORK

NY Delegation secures unprecedented aid package to help with rescue and repair efforts; Delegation thanks President and Congress for assistance

Members of New York's Congressional Delegation today announced that New York will receive at least half of the$40 billion emergency package approved by Congress today to help with relief and rescue efforts. Today's announcement follows yesterday's meeting at the White House where the Delegation appealed to President Bush for federal assistance to help with the rescue and rehabilitation efforts underway since Tuesday's attacks.

US Senator CHARLES E. SCHUMER said "The tragic and dastardly attack on New York City four days ago was a tremendous blow to our city. Emotionally, we are stricken. Physically, we are exhausted. But we will rise again on both fronts and we will rebuild New York. It may take months - even years - but it will happen. With their support for this relief package, President Bush and Congress have shown that they are going to be full partners in restoring New York to its rightful place as the world's capital and we thank them."

"Out of the heart of darkness comes the heartbeat of renewal. This commitment of $20 billion is a clear signal that America stands behind New York in our hour of need. It is a symbol of the nation's resolve, making clear to the world that we will renew and rebuild our community," said Senator Clinton. "A cowardly act, born of hate, can topple buildings and destroy innocent lives, but it cannot diminish values or our commitment to each other. I am so pleased that President Bush and our colleagues in the Congress fulfilled our request so quickly and completely."

"Let there be no doubt, the process of healing and rebuilding this City and
this nation will be long and difficult, and there will be much more aid needed," said Rep. Jerrold Nadler, whose district includes the parts of lower Manhattan that were destroyed. "But this emergency aid represents the first step. The Leadership and fellow Members of the Delegation are to be commended for their work, and I offer my most heartfelt gratitude, on behalf of my constituents, to all of my colleagues, for rallying to our aid."

"As angry as we are over this hateful attack against our country and our agreement about the need to retaliate when we identify and locate the perpetrators, we must not lose sight of the Herculean task of finding the victims, providing assistance to their loved ones, and rebuilding our city. I commend my colleagues in Congress for ensuring that the funding contained in this bill reflects the recognition of this dual task, and that it will allow us to help those organizations that will provide assistance to those who need it," US Representative Charles Rangel said.

"New Yorkers pride ourselves on being tough, but it is clear we can not do this alone," US Representative Nita Lowey said. "This legislation sends a clear signal that the nation stands shoulder-to-shoulder with New York as we proceed with our rescue and recovery efforts."

"New Yorkers are world-renowned for their resilience and fortitude when it
comes to a fight-as those responsible for these treacherous act will soon find out," said US Representative John Sweeney. "The New York delegation rolled up its sleeves and went to work to make sure that the citizens of New York and this nation will rebound from this tragedy, and will now have the resources needed to rebuild and come out of this stronger than ever before."

"The New York delegation worked closely together in a bi-partisan fashion in
order to ensure that federal resources are available to assist rescue efforts, repair our public facilities and increase our transportation security system. We as a nation are united in focusing on bringing the perpetrators of this tragedy to justice," said US Representative James T. Walsh.

The $40 billion emergency supplemental will be used for a variety of rescue and recovery activities as well national security upgrades. Of that $40 billion, at least half will go to the communities directly impacted by Tuesday's attacks for "disaster recovery activities and assistance related to the terrorist acts in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001."

In the coming days, Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and Governor George Pataki will work with the Delegation to determine what New York's needs are for these funds. The Mayor, Governor and Delegation will then work with the Bush Administration and Congress to quickly get these dollars where they are needed most.

The Delegation said that the aid package is a first installment from the federal government to assist with the rescue efforts underway and other infrastructure repairs. The funds will also go towards counter-terrorism efforts, increasing transportation security, and other national security needs. The funds will be available until completely expended.

Finally, the Delegation thanked President Bush and all of the Congressional Leadership and their colleagues for their assistance in securing these funds for New York, especially Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, Speaker Dennis Hastert, Senate Appropriations Chairman Robert C. Byrd, and House Appropriations Ranking Member David Obey.

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