Dear Friend,

September 11, 2001. It was supposed to be a celebratory day. On September 10^th, a colleague handed me test results from DNA samples found on three of the first Green River serial murder victims. All three of them were linked to Gary Ridgway. That day was the first step in closing the largest serial murder case in our country.

But on the morning of 9-11 my plans – and the world – changed. We were now also working with Washington State law enforcement agencies and the Terrorism Task Force to protect all critical infrastructure in our communities.

In a cowardly act driven by evil and ignorance, 19 men took the lives of nearly 3,000 fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, colleagues, and loved ones.

For months, our first responders and volunteer civilians would work to remove the debris from the once congested streets and our nation would work to rebuild, while continuing to mourn the lives lost and honor the bravery so many showed that day.

Fifteen years later, the fear and the threat of terrorism on the home front are still real and present.

Our men and women in the military, intelligence professionals, law enforcement officers, and all first responders have worked tirelessly – often putting their lives on the line – to keep Americans safe as extremists continue to wage war on the freedoms this country stands for.

We must continue to put our full support behind them and remember that we are strongest when we stand shoulder to shoulder together as one country, as one people. And most of all, we must never forget the faces and the names of the victims whose lives were cut short that day.

Giving Foster Youths to Tools to be Independent

One of the best gifts you can give someone is hope for a better future. That is exactly what the Improving Employment Outcomes for Foster Youth Act does. This week, I joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in introducing this bill to make transition age foster children eligible for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. In doing so, this bill will help encourage employers to hire and invest in our nation’s foster youth and start them on a successful career path.

Our foster children have endured hardships most kids never have to face and can be at a disadvantage when entering the job market. By giving them the tools to be independent, this bill helps provide foster youths with the opportunity to live productive and successful lives.

Strengthening Our National Security by Expanding Access to Education

For the millions of children living in poverty, especially in conflict-affected regions and sub-Saharan Africa, access to an education is their best chance of growing up to live a healthy, productive, and stable life. I am proud that this week, the House passed legislation I sponsored, the Education for All Act to provide quality basic education is some of the globe’s most desperate areas. By giving these children the tools to think for themselves, care for their families, and give back to their communities, we are not only doing what is right, we are laying the groundwork for greater peace and stability around the world.

 

Over what is always a somber time of the year, please stay safe and join me in sending your thoughts and prayers to all of the individuals whose loved ones never made home 15 years ago and the countless individuals across the globe who have lost those they care about to terror.