Des Moines Sun

On the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) reflected on the events of that day and the ongoing impact on American society. Grassley recalled how, on September 11, 2001, 19 hijackers took control of four commercial airliners to carry out suicide attacks against key targets in the United States.

"Nearly 3,000 people were killed. First responders ran into an inferno as they raced to save lives in the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan. 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. 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," Grassley said.

He compared 9/11 to other significant moments in American history such as Pearl Harbor and presidential assassinations, noting that these events have created lasting connections among Americans and demonstrated national resilience.

"E pluribus unum, our national motto, means 'out of many, one.' The resilience of Americans after 9/11 gives me hope. No matter the challenge or crisis, America thrives when Americans work together and stand with our allies. 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 the anniversary of 9/11, take a moment with your families to honor the memory of those who were killed, celebrate the heroes who risked it all to save others and thank the veterans and service members who answered the call to serve in uniform," he stated.

Grassley also discussed his efforts over several decades to combat terrorism through legislative action while serving on the Senate Judiciary Committee. He referenced his role in passing laws aimed at holding terrorists accountable and supporting victims' rights.

"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. During my first term, members of the Palestine Liberation Front murdered U.S. citizen Leon Klinghoffer aboard an Italian cruise ship. My Anti-Terrorism Act of 1992 (ATA) established a framework for victims to seek damages from those who assisted or were responsible for acts of international terrorism that harmed or killed Americans. This landmark law put terrorist organizations and their financial pipelines on notice to keep their hands off Americans," Grassley explained.

He highlighted further legislative achievements: "In 2016, I successfully led efforts to reverse President Obama’s veto of my bipartisan Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act to give victims of terror their day in court." Despite some lawsuits being dismissed by federal courts afterward, Grassley continued his advocacy: "In 2019, I led bipartisan passage of the Promoting Security and Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act to ensure the courthouse doors remain open to American victims of international terrorism, as well as their families."

According to Grassley, recent Supreme Court decisions have reinforced congressional intent by upholding laws that allow American victims access to justice against foreign terrorists.

"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. The high court’s decision sends a clear message that foreign terrorists who harm Americans can expect to feel the full weight of the U.S. justice system," he said.

Grassley also criticized current border policies under President Biden's administration regarding national security risks tied to immigration oversight: "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. My oversight showed suspected terrorists were allowed to enter the United States and roam free for years."

He concluded by reaffirming his commitment: "We must never forget the lessons of 9/11. As chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I’ll never stop working to protect U.S. interests and lives of Americans at home or abroad from terrorist organizations."