A delegation of 40 U.S. senators toured the wreckage left by the September 11 terrorist attack on New York's World Trade Center. After viewing the site, the Senate group offered full support to the shocked people of the city.
Republican Minority Leader Trent Lott of Mississippi said the group came to assess the damage and show New Yorkers they are not alone.
"I must say I have never seen anything comparable to what we have seen here today, the magnitude of it and the horror of it," the senator said.
"So that is why it was so important that we come and see what we are dealing with here. We are here to commit to the people of New York City and New York [state]. Regardless of the region of the country we come from - and the entire country is represented here in this delegation - we will stand with you," Mr. Lott said.
Senator Lott said the Senate made its support for New York clear last week, when it approved a $40 billion clean-up and assistance package. He said a unified Congressional leadership will deal with the people responsible for the terrorist attack and do everything possible to make sure it never happens again.