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for larger version       Remorse and Recovery: Once and Again This week on Capitol Hill, America's lawmakers are scheduled to tackle some of the most important pieces of legislation and Conferences since the events of September 11th. The pace and agenda in Washington, as well as the nation and the world, have been set by our need to respond and recover. The nation rebounded with a sense of bi-partisanship characteristic of both our resolve and our solidarity. We are being asked to reconstitute that fortitude once and again. This week, I intended to bring the residents of the 6th Congressional District up to speed on one of several legislative initiatives on Capitol Hill. I had planned to commence a series of commentaries on what to look out for as we gradually moved toward the scheduled recess. Trust me, I had quite an array of topics from which to choose: The House of Representatives narrowly passed an economic stimulus package by a vote of 216-214, almost straight down party lines; The President signed into law one of the most sweeping antiterrorism measures in history; the fate of the airline security bill hangs in the uncertainty of the legislative conference process; and, the backup on the legislative calendar has bottlenecked the nation's major spending appropriations bills for the fiscal year which began six weeks ago. The national and international business communities are waiting with bated breath for the outcome of the battle over Trade Promotion Authority (a.k.a. Fast Track) from both within the legislature and between the legislature and white house. Our "non-war" foreign policy docket-which includes nations like the Democratic Republic of Congo; Haiti; Cuba; Russia, etc. patiently await their turn before the bench. As the nations celebrated Veteran's Day, and many family members made an early start on vacation travel, an American Airlines 767 jet, bound for the Dominican Republic, plunged into the quiet residential neighborhood of Belle Harbor, Queens New York. Immediately, the visions of September 11 sent fear and shock waves throughout the City. To the friends and families of the passengers, crew, and residents, I extend my heartfelt condolences. Whether terrorism or tragic accident, the loss is the same and we, as a community, reach out with our prayers and support during this time of extreme grief. Once again, the City has had to come together and hold fast to our sanity and our resolve. The emergency workers demonstrated quick and decisive leadership and expertise. The New York City fire fighters and Police Department rose-once and again- to the occasion. The community leaders in Washington Heights and The Rockaways immediately sought to provide information and assistance to their grief stricken and shock -laden residents. As people scrambled for information about the flight, the passenger manifest and the communities hit by this most recent disaster, community staples were on the job. Susan Locke, publisher of The Rockaways' community newspaper, "The Wave," was readily available to CNN to provide information on the residents, the community and the tragedy; Howard Schwach, Editor and Chief of "The Wave" was a staple providing much needed information and updates throughout the day; the Director of the community-based assistance organization in Washington Heights was there with social workers and other relief coordinators. My friend and colleague, Congressman Anthony Weiner demonstrated a leadership and compassion characteristic of his concern and commitment to his constituents. Many community leaders stepped up to the plate. As a community, we must be commended. Although this tragedy did not hit the 6th Congressional District, such an horrendous community event has physically hit close to home: I live on the Peninsula. This is "yard" in a real sort of way. The 9th Congressional District and the 6th Congressional District share more than a border. We are neighbors. I seize every opportunity to join with the political and community leaders on the Peninsula in serving the residents of our beachfront community. This tragedy will require resolve and solidarity among the community across all lines. Whatever differences exist in our respective agenda, will now pay deference to our greater common goal: recovery and reconstruction; and continued development. The various communities in The Rockaways can forge a permanent partnership- not only around this tragedy, but around all issues relevant to our joint communities. Again, this was not the 6th Congressional District, but it was a tragedy that required a union we, fortunately, as New Yorkers know a little bit about! Together, we will recover and rebuild: Once and Again. I applaud the efforts of everyone involved in the response to this crisis. It is because of New York's sense of resolve and recovery, that we will guide each other through this. Whether terrorism or tragic accident, we will recover. Whether a terrorist or tragic accident, the Rockaway and Dominican communities will rise to the occasion and pull each other through. The official WTC count recorded that no less than 40 members of the Dominican community perished on September 11th; more than 100 children in the Belle Harbor community lost a parent in the World Trade Center tragedy. These statistics resonate with the world, albeit, they are a part of life for the mothers, fathers and children in the two most affected communities. The Community continues to recover from tragedy; they were flying again. The Community continues to recover from tragedy. They were strolling down the streets of Belle Harbor; having morning coffee; and catching the early Veteran's day sales. The Community has our support and encouragement; they have our prayers and our praise; they have our admiration and our assistance. My office and legislative resources are at the disposal of the community, the City and the industry to try and recoup and recover from this most recent tragedy. I look forward to continuing to work with the local officials, community leaders, and federal agencies and state relief efforts on assisting New Yorkers affected by terror and tragedy. My series of articles will eventually resume. My constant efforts to keep the residents of the 6th Congressional District abreast of the legislative activities in Washington will continue. My care and concern for the community, the city and the nation will continue. May God bless you!
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