The U.S. Senate unanimously approved a resolution on Tuesday, congratulating the U.S. military, Presidents Bush and Obama and the intelligence community for tracking down and killing Osama bin Laden.
Shortly after the successful mission was revealed late Sunday, area lawmakers reacted to the news.
Here’s a sampling of their statements:
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.)
"On September 11, 2001, the United States was viciously attacked in a cowardly terrorist plot masterminded by Osama bin Laden. Today, U.S. forces have killed bin Laden and exacted justice for his terrible crimes which killed thousands. I thank our troops, the intelligence community and diplomats who have worked today and since September 11th to bring Osama bin Laden to justice.
On September 11th, Pennsylvania was directly impacted by Al Qaeda when Flight 93 was downed over Shanksville. In the nearly ten years after September 11th, Pennsylvania has lost 68 troops in Afghanistan and hundreds have been injured. The sacrifice of those families who lost loved ones on September 11th and in the following years can never be made whole, but I hope that the death of bin Laden can help to bring some closure.
While today's development does not mean an end to terrorism or the need to remain relentlessly vigilant, the death of bin Laden has enormous significance in American and world history.”
U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach (R-Pa.-Sixth District)
“The success of this mission is a testament to the perseverance and professionalism of the courageous men and women serving and protecting our country in the military and intelligence operations. Every American should be proud of this accomplishment. It represents a significant victory in our constant battle against radical terrorists. Osama bin Laden has been held accountable for ruthlessly plotting the slaughter of nearly 3,000 of our friends and neighbors on Sept. 11, 2001 and several lethal attacks on U.S. troops and our allies. He was a calculating and callous terrorist whose victims came from all walks of life, religious faiths and nationalities.
President Bush and President Obama also deserve credit for their relentless pursuit of bin Laden and his extremist conspirators. Bin Laden’s heinous acts forever altered the lives of many families here in the 6th District. We always will remember the tremendous sacrifices these families have made and eternally owe a debt of gratitude to their loved ones who selflessly answered the call of duty.”
Politics
U.S. Rep. Patrick Meehan (R-Pa. Seventh District)
"I am delighted to learn of the killing of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. Almost ten years after 9/11, justice for all Americans has finally been served. I commend Presidents Bush and Obama for their steadfast resolve in this critical pursuit. I also commend the men and women of our military, intelligence community, and law enforcement for their work in this effort. A major blow has been dealt to al Qaeda and today is a great day in the history of our country."
U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews (D-NJ-First District)
"The intelligence, military and law enforcement officials who serve the United States and the cause of freedom around the world are the heroes of this moment. We owe these heroes a great debt of thanks for their heroism and courage that brought the welcome news tonight that the mastermind of 9/11, Osama bin Laden, has been killed.
Nothing will ever heal the indescribable pain of those who lost loved ones on that horrible day nearly ten years ago. My family's thoughts and prayers are with those grieving families tonight as they have been every day since 9/11.
But all Americans and all freedom-loving people should take comfort in the knowledge that this evil terrorist has been brought to justice. We must now redouble our efforts to protect our country against retaliatory acts of terror. We must send an unmistakable signal to those who would join bin Laden's cause that they will certainly join him in his well-deserved fate. Let all those who would do us harm understand this - the United States of America will never relent in our commitment to protect the people of our country."
U.S. Rep. Jon Runyan (R-NJ-Third District)
“Today is a great day for justice. I join our nation in expressing my thanks for the effort accomplished in the dogged pursuit, and eventual killing of Osama Bin Laden. I extend my deepest sympathies and regards to the families of those who died on 9-11 and express my gratitude to the men and women in the U.S. Military and intelligence community who have worked tirelessly to ensure our success in the war against terrorism. Even as the nation joins together with pride in the skill of those military Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel who hunted and killed Osama Bin Laden, I also know that this is not the end. We still face an enemy that hates the American way of life and remains determined to kill us. Bin Laden's confirmed death is a critical milestone in the Global War on Terror and today is a great day for America and those around the world who love freedom."
U.S. Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ-12th District)
"At this time, we remember the deaths and injuries that resulted from bin Laden’s vicious attacks on our embassies, ships, planes and the World Trade Center and Pentagon, and the many thousands of deaths caused by the havoc he sowed. Our hearts once again go out to all the families affected.
Today, America's military and intelligence services demonstrated why they remain the best in the world. Osama bin Laden's removal will not immediately end the threat of terrorism against the United States, but his death represents a crippling blow to the organization responsible for the 9/11 attacks. I congratulate President Obama and the dedicated and brave members of our military and our intelligence services for acting to eliminate this threat to the American people.
The length of time this has taken to accomplish—more than 13 years since the embassy bombings—reminds us that military and paramilitary operations have limitations and the fight against terrorism requires a multifaceted approach and reminds us that we must develop as much international cooperation as possible to defeat it."
