U.S. HOUSE HONORS CUSTOMS SERVICE, SECRET SERVICE FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE ON 9/11

"The terrorist attacks of September 11th brought home to every American the need for domestic security,” said Chairman Istook today. “The men and women of the U.S. Customs Service and the Secret Service serve within the first line of defense, protecting our borders and citizens within our country. I applaud them for their exemplary service to our nation on September 11th and every day since. Their professionalism, their dedication, and their expertise in performing their duty stand as an example and model for us all."

“President Franklin Roosevelt said that ‘the life of a nation is the fullness of its will to live,’” said Congressman Hoyer. "These proud Americans demonstrated that, even under attack, this nation stands strong and our spirit remains unbowed. The men and women of the U.S. Customs Service and Secret Service are truly on the front lines in the war against terrorism. Our nation owes them a debt of gratitude for the leadership and commitment that they demonstrated on the day of the terrorist attacks, and that they continue to demonstrate every day since.”

The resolution honoring the Customs Service noted the “hard work, commitment, and compassion during and immediately following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11" of the men and women of that agency. It also notes that the “Customs Service offices located in 6 World Trade Center were destroyed on September 11, 2001, as a result of terrorist attacks”; agents “selflessly, and at great risk, ensured no one was left behind in the imperiled building and continued to extricate coworkers until all 760 Customs employees were safe and accounted for”; and “ensured the safety of others while assisting national, State, and local officials in continued rescue and recovery efforts”.

Finally, the resolution states that the House “recognizes the critical importance of the United States Customs Service on the front line of our national security efforts; and supports providing the necessary resources to ensure the full operation of the United States Customs Service, New York operations, and that of Customs nationwide.”

The resolution honoring the Secret Service notes the “extraordinary performance and commitment to service during and immediately following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001" of the men and women of that agency. It notes that “the United States Secret Service New York field office located in 7 World Trade Center was destroyed on September 11, 2001, as a result of terrorist attacks”; agents “throughout the day of the attacks and subsequent days...continually and knowingly placed themselves in exceptional danger in their efforts to save life”; and “in selfless dedication to others, Master Special Officer Craig Miller was lost in the collapse of the World Trade Center.”

Finally, the resolution states that the House “honors the continuing service and commitment of the men and women assigned to the United States Secret Service, New York field office; recognizes the critical importance of the United States Secret Service to our national security; and supports providing the necessary resources to ensure the full operation of the New York field office and the mission of the Secret Service.”

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