[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 120 (Friday, September 14, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S9442]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. McCONNELL (for himself and Mr. Burns):
  S. 1143. A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to issue 
War Bonds in support of recovery and response efforts relating to the 
September 11, 2001 hijackings and attacks on the Pentagon and the World 
Trade Center, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, 
Housing, and Urban Affairs.
  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, no American was spared from the 
horrific and violent assaults on New York and the Pentagon which 
shocked us all the morning of September 11, 2001. Yet, even as heroic 
rescue workers sift through the rubble that remains, our nation is 
coming together in its resolve to respond to these despicable acts. 
This indefatigable spirit is a shining symbol of America's resilience 
and purpose.
  The United States will undoubtedly meet the challenges which we now 
face. As President Bush has stated, ``Now that war has been declared on 
us, we will lead the world to victory.''
  Winning the war against terrorism will require the full support of 
the American public who stand so anxious and so willing to contribute. 
Therefore, today I am introducing legislation to direct the Department 
of the Treasury to establish a special category of U.S. savings bonds 
designated War Bonds.
  These War Bonds will give voice to countless Americans who are 
looking for opportunities to make a difference in this time of need. By 
investing in a U.S. War Bond, patriotic citizens will have an 
opportunity to make a direct contribution to the war against the 
scourge of terrorism and provide much-needed resources for the effort 
to rescue the injured, rebuild the broken, and retaliate against the 
enemy.
  America's battle against the evil of terrorism will amount to much 
more than the immediate steps which are being undertaken in the 
aftermath of Tuesday's carnage. Unlike previous conflicts when 
Americans had the luxury of recognizing a precise moment of victory, 
this battle's success will be assured only if our shores never again 
fall victim to terrorist acts. Thus, by definition, this war will be 
ongoing. As such, it will be essential for our Government to generate 
consistent public support for its actions.
  The national campaign to sell U.S. War Bonds will serve not only to 
generate revenue, but will provide an opportunity to educate all 
Americans on the complicated nature of the terrorist threat and the 
resulting comprehensive nature of our response. This national effort 
will build on one of American's proudest traditions. Dating from the 
Revolutionary War through World War II, our country has relied upon 
U.S. War Bonds to respond to the threats posed by our most dangerous 
enemies. The World War II effort generated more than $200 billion in 
revenue from patriotic Americans eager to respond to the call of duty. 
I have no doubt that today's Americans will respond in kind, thus 
providing unprecedented support for the long road ahead.
  I call on all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this 
legislation.
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