Cleaver: A week in which all Americans deserve to be proud

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Mo. addresses the death of Osama bin Laden in his weekly EC from DC column:

This week began with good, but very somber news. Almost ten years after the devastating attacks on September 11th, a day we will forever have etched in our hearts, Osama bin Laden was killed at the just hand of the United States of America. We did not forget, we did not waiver, and last Sunday, we finished the job. Just as the President did yesterday in New York, all of us remember the thousands of Americans who were killed at the direct orders of this madman. As a former member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I was informed about the diligent work of the Department of Homeland Security, the intelligence community, armed forces, and other critical partners in the overall fight against terrorism. Our entire intelligence apparatus is to be commended on a job well done.

I want to commend our men and women in uniform for successfully developing and executing the plans to deal with al Qaeda’s founder and leader, Osama bin Laden. His death marks the end of a treacherous and tumultuous time in our world’s history. The Obama Administration has accomplished one of the most significant achievements in our nation’s efforts to combat terrorism worldwide.

Although we recognize this victory as a new day in our nation’s efforts against global terrorism, we do recognize that the threat of terrorism still exists and we must remain vigilant. This week has been a time to reflect and remember. It is also a week during which all Americans deserve to be proud.