Chairman Garbarino Marks 25 Years Since September 11 Attacks

NEW YORK, NY -- Today, House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino (NY-02) released the following statement commemorating 25 years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001:

"Twenty-five years ago today, America faced an unimaginable tragedy, and our nation was forever changed. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, represent the worst in our nation's history, claiming 2,977 innocent lives, including nearly 500 Long Islanders and more than 400 first responders. To this day, we continue to lose countless more Americans to 9/11-related illnesses contracted from toxic exposure during rescue and recovery efforts.

"In the years that have followed, our nation has worked with great resolve to strengthen our national security posture and ensure an attack of this magnitude never happens again on U.S. soil--a mission that is as urgent today as it was two decades ago. Educating future generations on the significance of this day, supporting all those impacted by the attacks, and remaining steadfast in our commitment to protecting the American people is more important than ever.

"As Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security and as a New Yorker representing a district forever marked by this tragedy, I carry that responsibility with me every day. Twenty-five years later, our promise remains the same: We will never forget."

Background:

Chairman Garbarino is committed to honoring the nearly 3,000 people killed, including almost 500 Long Islanders, recognizing the heroism of first responders and civilians, and ensuring younger generations and future national security leaders understand the significance of 9/11 and why continued commitment to the homeland security mission is as important as ever.

In advance of today's anniversary, the House Committee on Homeland Security released a report entitled "The 25th Anniversary Report: The Domestic Threat Landscape and National Security Improvements 25 Years After 9/11/01." The report evaluates the United States' progress in strengthening homeland security in the 25 years since the attacks and in the context of today's modern threat landscape, and it outlines where Congress can provide further support for the Department of Homeland Security's no-fail mission. Read the full majority report here.

As part of this examination, the Committee held alive showcase earlier this month for Members and staff across Congress with demonstrations from numerous DHS components, highlighting how the department uses drone technology, virtual reality training, K-9 operations, and artificial intelligence research to keep Americans safe.

More on Chairman Garbarino's related work:

Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security

• His tenure as Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security is informed by this commitment to never forget. In his first site visit as Chairman in 2025, the Committee led a bipartisan delegation to visit Ground Zero on the 24th anniversary of the attacks.

Secured a Long-Term Funding Fix for the World Trade Center Health Program

• Representative Garbarino helped secure funding for the World Trade Center Health Program for the lifetime of the Program, ensuring 9/11 responders and survivors who continue to suffer from 9/11-related illnesses receive the care they deserve for years to come.

25th Anniversary of September 11th Resolution

• Ahead of the 25th Anniversary, Representative Garbarino introduced a bipartisan House resolution commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
• The resolution reaffirms the nation's commitment to supporting the 9/11 community, including the World Trade Center Health Program, and preserving the memory and lessons of September 11th for future generations.

Support for the Reappointment of Dr. John Howard to Lead the WTCHP

• In July 2026, Representative Garbarino led a bipartisan, bicameral letter alongside Senator Kirsten Gillibrand urging Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reappoint Dr. John Howard to another six-year term as Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and Administrator of the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP). Following Representative Garbarino's continued advocacy, Dr. Howard was officially reappointed to another six-year term on September 9, 2026, ensuring continued leadership and stability for the Program and the 9/11 community it serves.\

25th Anniversary Committee Report

• The House Committee on Homeland Security released a report this week entitled "The 25th Anniversary Report: National Security Improvements and the Domestic Threat Landscape 25 Years After 9/11/01."

• As part of this examination, the Committee held a live showcase earlier this month for Members and staff across Congress with demonstrations from numerous DHS components.

H.R. 1993 - 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Commemorative Coin Act

• Representative Garbarinoco-led this bipartisan legislation requiring the U.S. Mint to issue commemorative coins honoring the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Surcharges from coin sales support programs at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. The House passed the bill 415-0 in May 2026.

9/11 Education

• Representative Garbarino introduced a resolution calling on schools across the country to teach students about the September 11 terrorist attacks and ensure future generations understand the events and lasting impact of that day.

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