Speaker John Boehner thanked members of the military and intelligence communities for their service and, like President Barack Obama, issued a call for unity.
“The tragic events of 9/11 10 years ago remind us that we’re all Americans and that what unites us as Americans is far greater than what divides us,” the Ohio Republican said, flanked by other members of the House GOP leadership team. “I think last night’s news unifies us in much the same way.”
Despite the shocking news, Boehner said that “our fight for freedom and liberty around the globe continues,” and that “it’s important we remain vigilant in our efforts to defeat terrorists and protect the American people.”
Boehner commended both Obama and President George W. Bush, who promised to capture the al-Qaida leader after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks that occurred just eight months into his presidency in 2001.
Majority Leader Eric Cantor noted the historic proportions of Sunday’s announcement and recalled the tragic events from a decade ago.
“Nearly 10 years ago, President Bush stood before the nation after 9/11 and pledged to the American people that we will not tire, we will not falter and we will not fail in our quest to defeat those who intend to do us harm through acts of terror,” the Virginia Republican said. “Last night, we heard President Obama tell a very changed nation that we did not fail.”
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