Press Releases

LUBBOCK, TX— Today, Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX-19) released the following statement reflecting on the 20th anniversary of the September 11^th terrorist attacks.

“Twenty years ago today, our lives changed forever as terrorists carried out the worst attack on U.S. soil, killing nearly 3,000 Americans and wounding thousands more. The tragic events of September 11, 2001, transformed our nation and reshaped our government’s approach to security at home and abroad. 

“On this day, we should never forget the lives we lost, the selfless acts of heroism, and the service from our country’s finest. Our nation was united and our Commander in Chief was resolved to take the fight to the enemy by striking Al-Qaeda and the Taliban who enabled them to carry out their assault. For nearly two decades, Americans sacrificed our sons and daughters in uniform and spent over two trillion dollars in an effort to carry out justice and keep Americans safe. 

“Twenty years later, it’s hard to believe that – in just a matter of days – so many hard-fought achievements of our brave men and women who served in Afghanistan were surrendered. 

“For years, our troops in Afghanistan displayed tremendous heroism going headlong into harm’s way to protect our nation and provide a deterrence for terrorism and other adversarial threats in the region.

“Even as we witnessed the chaos and incompetence that recently unfolded in Afghanistan, the patriotism and sacrifices of our troops must never be forgotten. 

“For me, today’s anniversary will be the saddest one since the 9/11 attacks because of all that has been heedlessly squandered.  Our homeland is less secure, our enemies are emboldened, and America’s credibility in the world has been weakened.

“Nevertheless, as we commemorate this fateful day, I ask all Americans to remember and honor those who lost their lives on 9-11 and in the battles that followed and pray for their families who still struggle with profound grief.  And, may we never forget that the world would be a very different place if it were not for America’s strength and values and the few good men and women who risk their lives to defend them.”

WATCH: Rep. Arrington Reflects on 9/11 Experience



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Congressman Jodey Arrington is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives serving the Nineteenth Congressional District of Texas and a Former White House Advisor to President George W. Bush.