It also expresses the sympathies of the House of Representatives to the families of the crew members, commends the ship's crew for their heroic damage control efforts, and condemns this senseless act of violence. Across the world, hundreds of thousands of Americans are serving their country in the armed forces. Sadly, it sometimes takes a tragedy such as this one to remind us of the dear price of our freedom. I also want to salute the surviving crew members who remained with the crippled ship and worked heroically to recover their wounded or missing compatriots and to repair the ship. It is hard to talk of comfort in times like these.
Answers are hard to come by and frustration sets in quickly.
However, no matter where or how long they hide, these terrorists will be discovered. Until that day comes, I offer my most heartfelt sympathy for the crew of the USS COLE and their families and friends. My prayers are with them all.