9-11

On September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four planes and attacked the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. One plane crashed before reaching its target. 2,977 innocent people died. In the months following, Hagel and his staff stayed busy responding to the attacks. What would be the military and diplomatic response? What legislative needs rose from the attacks? Who was at fault? Following are some press documents and speeches from the Hagel Archives addressing these questions. Hagel's schedule was filled with meetings, briefings, interviews, and other appointments in response to 9-11. Learn more about this in our Life of a Senator exhibit.

Legislative Response to 9-11

Press Releases concerning airlines and airline safety, 2001. (4 pages)

Newsletter to Nebraskans in early 2002 detailing major issues in Congress in 2001. Response to 9-11 was front and center. (4 pages)

Press Releases on anti-terrorism, border security, and homeland security, 2001-2002. (5 pages)

Press Releases on chemical and biological terrorism, 2001. (4 pages)

Foreign Policy Response to 9-11

Speech, JFK School of Government, Harvard University, "The World--Redefined" with event program, mid-Oct. 2001. (8 pages)

Speech, "Winning the War Against Terrorism: The Next Steps," American Enterprise Institute New Atlantic Initiative Conference, Nov. 2001. (13 pages)

Remarks, Council on Foreign Relations General Breakfast Meeting, "A Wider Lens" U.S. Foreign Policy in a Changed World," April 2002. (7 pages)

Remarks, Council on Foreign Relations, "U.S. Foreign Policy: Beyond the War on Terrorism," May 2002. (9 pages)

Military Response to 9-11

Press release, "Congress Supports Use of Force," Sept. 14, 2001

Press releases, White House and Hagel's office, President's Joint Address to Congress, Sept. 20, 2001 (2 pages)

Press release, "Statement...on U.S. Military Action in Afghanistan," Oct. 7, 2001

Investigating and Remembering 9-11

Press release, "Senate Votes to Create Independent Panel to Examine Sept. 11 Attacks," Sept. 24, 2002

One of many interview requests related to 9-11; this one from Time Magazine concerning members of President Bush's 9/11 commission.

Press release, "Statement...on the Anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks," Sept. 10, 2004 (for the following day)