LARSON URGES CONNECTICUT RESIDENTS TO FLY FLAG IN SOLIDARITY WITH VICTIMS OF ATTACK

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 13, 2001

LARSON URGES CONNECTICUT RESIDENTS TO FLY FLAG IN SOLIDARITY WITH VICTIMS OF ATTACK
Also Announces Support for Today's Action by the House of Representatives

WASHINGTON, D.C.?U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) today urged citizens of the First District and all of Connecticut to fly the American flag to show solidarity with all Americans, the victims of Tuesday's attack and their families. The House unanimously passed a Nationwide Flag Flying Initiative today that urges Americans to provide a ?physical tribute? in memory of those who lost their lives and to show that the people of the United States will not stand for or be intimidated by terrorism.

?The repugnant thugs who committed these atrocities against the United States quite simply do not understand America or our citizens,? said Larson. ?We are a nation at times divided by political disagreements, but we are forever united by our love of freedom and democracy, our unyielding strength, our defiance in the face of adversity and our compassion for our fellow humans. No amount of terrorism or disruption could possibly shake the immoveable foundation of our 225-year-old country or the collective will of our people. This is a tragedy that words cannot accurately describe. I urge citizens of the First District and all of Connecticut to fly the American flag at their homes, businesses and schools for the next 30 days to show our unity, strength and solidarity with those who have died and those who now carry on.?

Larson's District Office hung an American flag outside its building on Main Street with the assistance from Hartford Firefighters at the South Green station (Engine Co. One and Ladder Co. Six). In addition, emergency information to assist constituents and others has been added to his web page at https://www.house.gov/larson.

Larson also announced that he cosponsored the Victims' Tax Relief Package, which also passed overwhelmingly in the House today. The package does the following:

• Extends an exemption from the federal income tax in the year of death to those killed or who die as a result of injuries suffered in Tuesday's attack.
• Clarified that United Airlines payments to passengers are exempt from federal income tax. Payments from American Airlines would receive similar treatment.
• Reduces the estate tax liability by more than half for people who were killed or injured in Tuesday's attack.
• Ensures that the Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance payments are exempt from federal income tax.

Larson also supported the Public Safety Officers Benefits legislation, which expedites payments to officers and their families if an officer was killed in the line of duty as a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11.

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