Congressman Garbarino Urges Proactive Measures Against Future Threats
House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Andrew Garbarino, R-N.Y., recalls vividly where he was during the September 11, 2001 attacks. “I was a senior in high school, in Mr. Ponzi’s government class, when the first plane hit,” he said to Fox News Digital. Initially, it seemed like a minor incident, but the realization of its severity came when the second plane struck.
Now, 25 years later, Garbarino leads a committee overseeing a department established in response to 9/11. He emphasizes the need for Congress to adopt preventive strategies to thwart similar tragedies. “As chairman, and a New Yorker, my goal is to ensure 9/11 is never repeated,” he stated.
Garbarino warns about congressional complacency in the wake of the attacks. “Congress reacts well, but we need to prioritize preemptive action in national and homeland security,” he insists. He believes that proactive lawmaking could prevent future incidents.
He argues the siloing of intelligence agencies was a major flaw before 9/11. “There was complacency and a lack of information sharing,” Garbarino noted, emphasizing the need to avoid similar mistakes.
Representing New York’s 2nd Congressional District on Long Island’s south shore, Garbarino is closely connected to the aftermath of the attacks. “Residents who lost loved ones still bear the scars,” he said. Moreover, illnesses related to 9/11 continue to impact many, particularly first responders. “More people have died from related illnesses than on the day itself,” he revealed, highlighting the ongoing consequences of that day.
Garbarino talked about young firefighters from 9/11 who now face long-term health effects. “Some were very young then, and now, as they age, they are getting sick,” he explained. This underscores the persistent impact of 9/11 on public health.
Earlier this year, under Garbarino’s leadership, legislation was signed to address funding concerns for the World Trade Center Health Program. This program aids survivors in affording necessary medical care. Garbarino noted its wide-reaching impact. “Nearly every congressional district includes someone part of this program,” he stated, reflecting the nationwide consequences.
Garbarino also emphasized that the relocation of people post-9/11 meant the effects were not confined to New York. “Individuals moved back across the country and carried illnesses with them,” he said, illustrating the broad scope of the tragedy.
Elizabeth Elkind, a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, covers the House of Representatives. Follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to [email protected].