Senate leaders put aside differences, remember where they were on 9/11

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) put aside their political differences and remembered where they were 11 years ago when the 9/11 terrorist attacks happened.

During their floor speeches Tuesday morning they both honored those who died that day and those who have volunteered in the military since to go after al Qaeda. 

“We will never forget those killed,” Reid said. “All they were doing was their jobs, and others were just catching a plane … so it’s good that we pause each year to remember.”

Reid said he was in the Capitol having a leadership meeting when the planes hit the towers and was evacuated when alerted that another plane was headed for the Capitol.

“I remember looking out and seeing the smoke billowing in the air from the Pentagon,” Reid said. “I remember it as if it was yesterday.”

At 11 a.m. the Senate will observe a moment of silence and simultaneously there will be a ceremony at the Capitol steps.

McConnell said one of the things he remembered most from that day was lawmakers meeting at the same steps after the tragic events.

“We all gathered on the steps of the Capitol to sing ‘God Bless America.’ That was one of the most uplifting moments in our country,” McConnell said. “Despite political differences we’re together and stronger in the wake of what happened … despite our political difference we remember the unity and resolve we felt that day.”

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