Lawler, Ryan, Esposito Sponsor Bill To Make Sept. 11 A Federal Holiday

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Two of the region's representatives in Congress have introduced a bill to make Sept. 11 a national holiday.

Mike Lawler (R, NY-17) and Pat Ryan (D, NY-18) are joined as co-sponsors by Rep. Anthony D'Esposito (R, NY-4), and Rep. David Tone (D, MD-6).

Lawler called for it to be a state holiday while he was in the New York General Assembly.

"We will never forget September 11th, and we must never cease fighting for those who gave so much in the wake of this tragedy," he said. "September 11th had a profound impact on our nation, but particularly impacted the residents of the 17th Congressional District. Thousands of families have faced the repercussions of that day, especially the families of those who worked tirelessly on the pile, trying to find survivors and helping other families find closure."

Ryan was in his second year at West Point in 2011.

"All of us cadets swore to never forget the heroes we lost that day — this country swore to never forget," he said in a statement. "This legislation ensures the firefighters, policemen, paramedics and everyday citizens, many from the Hudson Valley, who died serving this country that early September morning or whose health was impacted in the recovery will always be remembered."

Esposito served in the NYPD and saw the long-term ramifications of the attack on New York City’s first responders, 9/11 survivors, local community members, and their loved ones.

"Designating September 11th as a federal holiday would establish a time for Americans to come together and honor those lost during the attack as well as recognize the bravery of the first responders who rushed into danger to save lives," he said.

Trone said the issue is important to him because he represents a state with many public servants who worked at the Pentagon that day and many who work there now.

"We all remember where we were that morning on September 11, 2001, when our country was so brutally attacked, and thousands of innocent people were killed," Trone said. "On every anniversary of that day, our nation deserves to mourn those lost and honor our first responders who selflessly stepped up to help their fellow Americans."