Opening Statement of the Hon. William J. Coyne, a Representative in Congress from the State of Pennsylvania

Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Oversight
of the House Committee on Ways and Means

Hearing on Response by Charitable Organizations to the Recent Terrorist Attacks

November 8, 2001

Mr. Chairman, the American public has donated over $1.4 billion to charities, nationwide, in response to the terrorist acts of September 11, 2001. This action illustrates our country's commitment to providing relief to the families of those killed or injured in the recent terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Donations at this level are unprecedented.

Recently, legitimate questions have been raised about where the money is going and whether the victims and their families have access to the donated funds in a timely manner. We need to make sure that the money gets to the intended beneficiaries promptly.

The nearly 200 charities that have set up relief programs, the states' charity offices, and the federal government, all have important roles in insuring effective management of the September 11^th relief effort. Obviously, there is a need to coordinate fundraising and relief efforts relating to September 11th.

Our witnesses today will discuss these issues and provide us with a status report on the situation.

I want to thank Subcommittee Chairman Houghton for scheduling today's important hearing.