Whereas, on September 11, 2001, the United States endured violent terrorist attacks and events (referred to in this preamble as the attacks ) in New York City, Washington, DC, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, leading to the tragic deaths and injuries of thousands of innocent United States citizens and others from more than 90 different countries and territories; Whereas, in response to the attacks, firefighters, uniformed officers, emergency medical technicians, physicians, nurses, military personnel, and other first responders immediately rose to service in the heroic attempt to save the lives of the individuals in danger; Whereas, in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, thousands of recovery workers, including tradespeople, iron workers, equipment operators, and many others, joined with uniformed officers and military personnel to help search for and recover victims lost in the attacks; Whereas, in the days, weeks, and months following the attacks, thousands of individuals in the United States spontaneously volunteered to help support rescue and recovery efforts, braving both physical and emotional hardship; Whereas many first responders, rescue and recovery workers, volunteers, and survivors of the attacks continue to suffer from serious medical illnesses and emotional distress related to the physical and mental trauma of the attacks; Whereas hundreds of thousands of brave individuals continue to serve every day, answering the call to duty as members of the Armed Forces, with many having given their lives or suffered injury— (1) to defend the security of the United States; and (2) to prevent further terrorist attacks; Whereas the people of the United States witnessed and endured the tragedy of September 11, 2001, and in the immediate aftermath of the attacks came together under a remarkable and inspiring spirit of unity, service, and compassion