Q&A: After 9/11, Vigilance Matters

A: After 23 years, the unprecedented terrorist attacks on U.S. soil serve as a solemn reminder to all Americans. We must never forget the tragic loss of approximately 3,000 people who woke up and went about their daily lives on that sunny September morning, never to see their loved ones again. Thousands more have passed in the years since from cancer and other illnesses brought on by the toxins generated in the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon.

 On 9/11, observed as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, let’s keep in mind how Americans throughout history pull together in unity, finding strength and resilience, no matter what comes our way. Remember the bravery of the first responders on 9/11 who rushed into deadly infernos; the heroes aboard United Flight #93 who prevented their hijacked plane from reaching its target; and the efforts by all those involved in the aftermath to search, rescue, recover and rebuild. 

Give thanks to the men and women who have answered the call to serve our country in uniform to fight terrorism and defend freedom around the world. Honor the lives lost and the burdens shouldered by survivors and loved ones left behind.

From the U.S. Senate, I continue to push bipartisan legislation to strengthen the 9/11 victims law called the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act. Our bill would close loopholes in federal law to allow victims’ families to seek financial compensation from foreign sponsors of terrorism in court. America must stand unequivocally against terrorism, and that includes holding state sponsors of terrorism accountable and allowing families to seek justice and closure in a court of law.

More recently, Hamas’ horrific attacks on Oct. 7 in Israel delivered a wake-up call to the world: America and our allies must never let down our guard to threats of terrorism. As a nation, we must stand firm to rein in terrorists and plug the financial pipelines that underwrite their crimes. Reckless policies of appeasement are a slippery slope. 

Nearly a decade ago, I explained why the nuclear deal for Iran should be rejected. Lifting sanctions on Iran paves a path for arms trafficking and support for Hezbollah, Hamas and others, endangering innocent lives and emboldening adversaries. America must not flinch. Peace through strength makes America stronger, safer and more secure.

Q: What national security risks have you flagged taking place at our southern border?

A: For nearly four years, the Biden-Harris administration’s failure to secure our southern border has compromised national security. Millions of people have crossed the U.S. border without permission, including an untold number of violent criminals and individuals on the terrorist watch list. FBI Director Christopher Wray testified before Congress that “we’ve seen the threat from foreign terrorists rise to a whole ‘nother level after Oct. 7.”

Through congressional oversight, I’m working to bring accountability to federal agencies so they fulfill their mission and uphold the number one responsibility of the federal government: national security. For example, I’ve demanded answers about this administration’s government-run mobile application, known as “CBP One” program that has allowed at least a quarter-million foreign nationals to evade screening upon entering the United States. 

Thousands of these illegal entrants are classified as “Special Interest Aliens.” That means they arrive from one of 24 countries designated as a national security concern due to Islamic terrorist activities. I’ve also flagged risks to public safety from weaponized drones, like those used on Oct. 7 in Israel, at the southern border that are controlled by criminal organizations in Mexico. Hamas and Hezbollah fighters could take advantage and infiltrate the U.S.-Mexico border. 

This summer I shined a spotlight on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its failure to collect DNA from illegal immigrants apprehended at the border. According to whistleblowers, DHS isn't complying with the DNA Fingerprint Act of 2005. So, I led a roundtable discussion on Capitol Hill to get answers. With war waging in the Middle East and chaos at our southern border, the federal government must be laser-focused on strengthening the public trust and reassuring the American people that the federal government is on the job and up to the mission to thwart terrorism and prevent an attack on U.S. soil. From my leadership posts in the U.S. Senate, I’ll keep pressing for answers and seeking accountability on behalf of the American people.