Hawkeye Reporter

On the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) reflected on the events and their impact on American society. He noted that “this year marks 24 years since 19 hijackers boarded four commercial airliners in the early morning hours on Sept. 11, 2001, to commit acts of terror on U.S. soil. The terrorists commandeered the airplanes to launch suicide attacks against symbolic targets on the eastern seaboard of the United States. They targeted the headquarters of the U.S. financial system and the U.S. military to disrupt American society and inflict fear among the American people.”

Grassley recalled that nearly 3,000 people were killed during these attacks and highlighted the actions of first responders who attempted rescue operations at the World Trade Center in New York City. He also referenced civilian passengers aboard United Flight 93 who intervened to prevent further destruction in Washington, D.C., stating: “After the Pentagon was struck, civilian passengers aboard United Flight 93 heroically prevented the hijackers from potentially slamming into the U.S. Capitol, the iconic seat of the people’s branch in the nation’s capital.” Grassley emphasized that while these crimes shocked many, they did not achieve their intended effect: “These unthinkable crimes shocked the world, but the terrorists failed their mission. Instead of changing our way of life, they strengthened an indivisible bond of solidarity in communities across our country.”

He drew parallels between September 11 and other significant moments in American history such as Pearl Harbor, President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, and the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. According to Grassley: “In the aftermath of these national tragedies, the resilience of Americans shined bright.” He also mentioned recent global events as reminders for continued vigilance: “The Oct. 7 attacks in Israel in 2023 are a solemn reminder we must stand vigilant against terrorist organizations and state sponsors of terror.”

On his legislative efforts related to terrorism victims’ rights, Grassley explained his work through several decades with laws aimed at holding terrorists accountable through U.S. courts: “I’ve served on the Senate Judiciary Committee since my first term in the U.S. Senate and led a decades-long effort to ensure terrorists and their financial enablers who target Americans abroad are held accountable in the U.S. courts.” He referenced specific legislation including his Anti-Terrorism Act of 1992 and subsequent laws designed to provide recourse for victims.

Grassley described setbacks faced by victims seeking justice due to court rulings but noted a recent Supreme Court decision upholding legal avenues for such cases: “In January, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a big victory to hold international terrorists accountable. Its ruling upheld the constitutionality of my law to empower victims of terror to seek justice in U.S. court.”

He also criticized aspects of current federal policy regarding border security and vetting procedures for Afghan evacuees during President Biden’s administration: “During the Biden administration, I raised the alarm about its open border policies that put national security at risk, including its failure to properly vet Afghan evacuees.” Grassley concluded by reiterating his commitment as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee to protect Americans from terrorism both domestically and internationally.