Recognizing the victims, survivors, and thousands of other Americans impacted by the September 11, 2001, attacks, and for other purposes.
H. Res. 698 is a House resolution introduced in the 119th Congress that provides a formal recognition of the victims, survivors, and thousands of other Americans affected by the September 11, 2001 attacks. The measure also honors public servants who have worked to protect the nation and expresses concerns about threats to U.S. counterterrorism and preparedness efforts. It references the creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after 9/11, the ongoing importance of the intelligence community, and past funding for terrorism-prevention programs. The resolution asserts opposition to any weakening of the United States’ counterterrorism posture and urges continued remembrance of lessons learned and adherence to DHS’s mission to safeguard the American people. As a resolution, the bill is largely symbolic and declarative rather than creating new law. It was introduced by multiple members of the House and referred to the Oversight and Government Reform and Homeland Security committees for consideration.
Key Points
- 1Recognizes the victims, survivors, and thousands of Americans impacted by the September 11, 2001 attacks, and honors the heroic efforts of public servants who protect the nation.
- 2Emphasizes the essential role of the Department of Homeland Security and the broader intelligence, law enforcement, and national security apparatus in counterterrorism, border security, emergency preparedness, and related areas.
- 3Notes that funding for terrorism-prevention and preparedness has faced delays and politically influenced conditions, which the resolution portrays as undermining effectiveness, citing recent cuts to targeted-city funding.
- 4References the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (the 9/11 Commission) and its finding that intelligence failures included not connecting relevant information, underscoring the importance of intelligence capabilities (including DHS’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis).
- 5Calls on the government to honor those lost on 9/11 by remembering lessons learned and upholding DHS’s mission to safeguard the American people, the homeland, and American values, and to avoid weakening security postures.