The top Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, U.S. Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon released the following statement in observance of the anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States:

“Nine years after the attacks on our homeland, we remember with sadness the lives of nearly 3,000 Americans tragically lost that day, and our prayers remain with their families and loved ones.

“America’s sons and daughters remain on the frontlines of the war against terrorism working to ensure the tragic events of that fateful morning are not repeated.  We are reminded each day of the sacrifices that they—and their families—are asked to shoulder on behalf of a grateful nation.

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“By taking the fight to al-Qaeda and the terrorist organization’s allies in Afghanistan and Iraq, our troops have kept America safe from another devastating terrorist attack.  The fight in Iraq is largely over, but 50,000 of our troops remain in the heart of the Middle East.  We must do everything we can to ensure they have the necessary resources, equipment, and authorities to ensure their safety and guarantee their hard-fought security gains do not unravel.

“In Afghanistan, President Obama’s counter-insurgency strategy and troop surge are in place and being implemented by General Petraeus.  We now must give our troops and diplomats the time, space and resources they need to complete their missions successfully and return home.

“The safety of our troops must remain our utmost priority.  Despite the gains made over the last nine years, the world was reminded this week that the planned actions of a small community in the United States can spur violence across the world and endanger American troops and diplomats.  Our brave men and women of our military and Foreign Service are operating in tough, complex environments in Afghanistan, Iraq and in other Muslim countries—and we should do nothing here at home that would jeopardize their safety.”