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CNN Live Today
Congress Convenes in New York
Aired September 06, 2002 - 13:06 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: It has been more than 200 years since the U.S. Congress last met in New York, but this morning, more than 300 members traveled by train from Washington and later convened just blocks from Ground Zero.
It was an interesting bit of history, and CNN's Kate Snow was there to witness it -- hi, Kate.
KATE SNOW, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Kyra. It was only the second time since 1800 when they took up residency in the U.S. Capitol in Washington. Only the second time that they have left Washington, D.C. for this kind of a commemorative session, so obviously, the members felt very strongly about doing this. They felt it was an important symbolic event for them to hold here.
As you mentioned, about 300 of them have made their way to New York. They are right now at a luncheon hosted by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Let's take a listen to what he is saying.
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MICHAEL BLOOMBERG, MAYOR, NEW YORK CITY: ... years ago because our commitment to freedom has never been stronger.
As a nation and as a city, we have learned a lot about ourselves on September 11, when the unimaginable became a reality. What happened down the street from here wasn't just an assault on New York, it was an attack on our nation, and on all freedom-loving people around the world. That day, as the world watched, our rescue teams battled the smoke and the chaos. It didn't matter whether you came from Astoria or Atlanta or Australia, from Queens or Kansas or Kenya, New York was everybody's hometown that day. The stakes for our nation were raised. Someone placed a big bet they could destroy New York, a city that has contributed immeasurably to building the greatest democracy on earth. This city has responded. This nation has responded.
America is a nation founded on a particular set of ideas. The right to express yourself as you see fit, the right to worship God in your own way, the right to live without fear. What happened on November 11 -- on September 11, was not only an attack on our people, but on those freedoms and our basic way of life, and all Americans understand that. New Yorkers recognize that we would not have made it through the darkest days in our city's history...
SNOW: New York City mayor, Michael Bloomberg, addressing about 300 members of the U.S. Congress, about half of the Congress that has made it here to New York for a special session this morning. Before they went to the Regent Hotel where they are now, listening to Mayor Bloomberg, they were in Federal Hall, the building behind me. Heads bowed, they listened as many of the members of Congress addressed -- many of the leaders addressed the members. Vice President Dick Cheney, at one point, talked about freedom coming at a high price. He said we have no intention of letting our freedom slip away. Congressional leaders talked about New York suffering, and the positives that came out of this tragedy.
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SEN. TRENT LOTT (R-MS), MINORITY LEADER: From this city's day of horror, out of all the loss and sorrow, has come a strength. I have seen it all across America. A resolve, a determination which, from Manhattan to Mississippi, now binds us together for the mighty work that lies ahead.
SEN. TOM DASCHLE (D-SD), MAJORITY LEADER: As we near the first anniversary of September 11 with profound sadness, our hearts ache for those who died and for their families, their loved ones. At the same time, we are filled with an abiding sense of gratitude to the people who live and work in this great city, especially the courageous workers and rescuers for the way they inspired and stunned a wounded nation in their countless acts of heroism and compassion.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SNOW: And after this, they were going to heading to a wreath laying ceremony, Kyra, at Ground Zero. This a very brief trip to New York City. The members of Congress, after that wreath laying, will head out of here. Most of them headed home, although some will stick around for the weekend. They have been invited to stay and appreciate some of New York, what New York has to offer -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Oh, and indeed New York has so much to offer. Kate Snow, thanks.
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