Members of Congress, Republican and Democrat, resoundingly cheered late Sunday night as word spread that U.S. forces had killed Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
Instant reactions from Members of Congress:
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Democrat of Nevada: “This is the most significant victory in our fight against al Qaeda and terrorism, but that fight is not over. We will continue to support our troops and the American civilians who are fighting every day to protect our homeland.”
House Speaker John Boehner, Republican of Ohio: “This is great news for the security of the American people and a victory in our continued fight against al Qaeda and radical extremism around the world. We continue to face a complex and evolving terrorist threat, and it is important that we remain vigilant in our efforts to confront and defeat the terrorist enemy and protect the American people.”
Arizona Republican Rep. Jeff Flake: “Great news on Osama bin Laden.”
Arizona Republican Rep. David Schweikert: “God bless our brave troops who have sacrificed so much to catch Osama bin Laden. Truly a great moment for our country!”
Missouri Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill: “A very bad chapter of world history closes tonight. Finally. Justice. Thank you to all of our intelligence personnel and our military.”
Florida Republican Rep. Dennis Ross: “Bin Laden is dead. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
Texas Republican Rep. Michael Burgess: “Note of Bin Laden’s death is welcome news. My thanks to the dedicated men and women who have delivered us from this criminal.”
Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley: “Pres bush was right when he said there aren’t enuf caves for Osama bin Laden to hide. That we wld get him. We got him.”
Ohio Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown: “This is a victory for all Americans and a testament to the sacrifice of our service members and their families, and the American intelligence community.”
Illinois Republican Sen. Mark Kirk: “Thank you and Bravo Zulu to all service members and CIA who have sacrificed so much for this day.”
Missouri Republican Rep. Mark Parkinson: “‘We will not waver; we will not tire; we will not falter; and we will not fail.'” ~George W. Bush”
Florida Republican Rep. Allen West: “Congratulations to Gen Petreaus and our brave soldiers for their success tonight taking out OBL”
South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham: “We got the bastard.” (via Robert Costa at National Review.)
New York Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer: “It took close to ten years, but the world’s most wanted terrorist has finally met his deserved fate. New York’s heart is still broken from the tragedy of 9/11, but this at least brings some measure of closure and consolation to the victims and their families.
“This is a massive accomplishment for the countless military and intelligence personnel who have been urgently dedicated to this task for the past decade. Because Bin Laden’s evil dogma has poisoned the minds of so many others, we cannot let up in the war on terror. This successful mission sends a definitive message to those who would test the resolve of the people of the United States of America: do not doubt our resolve; if you do us harm, we will find you, we will mete out justice, and we will prevail.”