Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) hailed the House of Representatives’ expected passage of H. Res. 856, his bipartisan resolution recognizing the commissioning of the USS New York LPD 21 and honoring those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and those who serve in uniform to defend the United States. The historic new ship features a bow fashioned from 7.5 tons of steel forged from the wreckage of the World Trade Center.

“I am proud that today the House of Representatives has officially gone on record in support of the commander and crew of the USS New York LPD 21,” said Nadler. “This national treasure represents a powerful piece of New York’s recent history, and passage of this resolution clearly demonstrates Congress’s commitment to the people of New York and to the men and women who put their lives on the line for us every day. It is essential that we continue to recognize those who sacrificed on September 11th and rededicate ourselves to fighting terrorism and supporting our brave men and women in uniform.”

Some facts about the USS New York LPD 21:

• The USS New York LPD 21 will be commissioned on November 7, 2009, on Pier 88 in Manhattan.

• It is the newest entry to the U.S. Navy’s fleet of San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships and will be deployed to provide amphibious assault capability anywhere in the world.

• The ship has a main passageway dubbed “Broadway” and an insignia with references to the Statue of Liberty, the Twin Towers, the New York City Police Department, and the New York City Fire Department.

• Its galley features a pre-September 11th neon outline of New York City.

• The ship’s motto is, “Strength Forged Through Sacrifice. Never Forget.”

• The captain is Commander F. Curtis Jones, USN, a native son of New York.

• Nearly 10 percent of the commissioning crew hails from the Empire State.

Below is the prepared text of Nadler’s statement on the floor of the House of Representatives in support of this resolution:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution recognizing the commissioning of the USS New York LPD 21.

“When the USS New York is commissioned at the end of the week, it will serve as a memorial of Sept. 11, 2001 in more than just name. Its bow, made from 7.5 tons of steel forged from the wreckage of the World Trade Center, will serve as proof of America’s persistent determination.

“This ship will serve to recognize the fearless amongst us, those who willingly sacrifice their safety in order to protect our own. The bravery and dedication of our men and women in uniform serving overseas never ceases to amaze me and will never be forgotten.

“I want to commend the captain, Commander Curt Jones, a native New Yorker, and the crew of the USS New York and the United States Navy on the commissioning of their newest ship. Its presence in the Naval Fleet, will serve as a constant reminder of the sacrifices made by so many Americans on September 11, 2001.

“The Navy ought to be commended for naming two future San Antonio class vessels, the USS Somerset and the USS Arlington, currently under construction, in honor of those who gave their lives defending the country at the Pentagon and on United Flight 93 on September 11. This is a fitting tribute to our fallen friends.

“Thousands died on September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. And many more police, firefighters, first responders, residents, workers, school children, and others continue to suffer terrible health consequences as a result of the collapse of the twin towers. I want to take a brief moment today to urge my colleagues to support the 911 Health and Compensation Act, HR 847, which would provide health care and path to compensation for first responders and community members who still suffer the effects of that terrible tragedy. We ought to honor their continuing sacrifices today as well.

“I would like to thank the entire New York delegation who joined me as original cosponsors as well as all the additional cosponsors of H. Res. 856, who by their actions have helped us move this resolution so quickly to the House floor.

“I also must thank Chairman Skelton and his staff for their help in crafting the resolution and building support for its passage. Furthermore, I was pleased that we were able to do this in a nonpartisan fashion, and I want to thank Ranking Member McKeon for cosponsoring the resolution as well.

“I am proud to say that there are some things more important than partisan politics. Supporting our troops and honoring the victims of September 11 is neither Democratic nor Republican, it is simply American.

“Thank you, I yield back the balance of my time.”