Congress is remembering 9/11.

A bi-partisan resolution introduced in the House of Representatives marks the tragedy seven years ago and pays tribute to the nearly 3,000 people who died in New York, at the Pentagon and in an isolated field in Pennsylvania.

West-Central Missouri Congressman Ike Skelton tells colleagues during his speech on the House floor that the tragedy won’t weaken America.  

"And although the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks will resonate for generations, the terrorists’ cold-blooded violence will never break the American spirit or alter our values, or shake our resolve," Skelton tells colleagues during his floor speech.

Skelton says the job of protecting America is a perpetual responsibility. He praises the work of the military and the sacrifice of military families. Skelton says he worries that we have asked too much of the military and too little of the rest of us.

Skelton, who is chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, adds that he is concerned that the United States hasn’t placed as much emphasis on Afghanistan as it has Iraq. He says his concern was highlighted by testimony before the committee that the country’s military operations in the Middle East should be more focused on Afghanistan.

"On this day of memory for loss and sacrifice," Skelton tells the House, "My resolve to do my part in performing Congress’ unique and necessary role in preventing a recurrence of such an attack only grows stronger" 

Download/listen Congressman Skelton’s House floor speech (2:45 MP3)