The state House will introduce a bipartisan resolution condemning the terrorist attacks on the United States when representatives meet Thursday.
State Rep. Andrew Raczkowski, R-Farmington Hills, will sponsor the resolution, to extend condolences to those affected and support nationwide rescue efforts and unification.
“As the days after the attack unfold, we are learning that Michigan residents and families have been directly affected by the tragedy,” said Raczkowski, an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve, in a statement.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the Michigan families who continue to wait for word on the whereabouts of their loved ones.”
Raczkowski said the resolution will also offer praise to those who perished on the jetliner crash in Pennsylvania for stopping terrorists from reaching Washington.
“This tragedy has touched all of our lives, but it cannot diminish our way of life,” he said.
“We must stand tall and show terrorists throughout the world that U.S. lawmakers, both state and federal, are united in the goal to punish the people or governments responsible for this terrible American calamity.”
The resolution is expected to receive bipartisan support on the House floor.
“It is our part as the legislative body of Michigan to join in with Congress (and) the president of the United States as a voice to condemn this act of violence, devastation and terror,” said state Rep. Michael Murphy, D-Lansing, a cosponsor of the resolution.
Murphy said it will be crafted to ensure that all members of the House offer support.
“This is a time of coming together,” he said. “Certainly Rep. Raczkowski is on the other side of the isle. But we are coming together on this, without a doubt.”
House Speaker Rick Johnson, R-LeRoy, said there is no place for politics when it comes to terrorism.
“Everyone is grieving with the tragedies of the week,” he said. “We send our thoughts and prayers, and are willing to do what we can to help out.”
The Michigan Democratic Party and Michigan Republican Party issued a united statement Wednesday condemning the attacks and encouraging Americans not to stereotype the Arab American and Muslim communities in Michigan.
“Metro Detroit has one of the largest Arab American communities in the nation,” said Sage Eastman, a spokesman for the Michigan Republican Party. “People need to remember that these attacks were the acts of a few extreme radicals. It shouldn’t cast a shadow on a proud and patriotic community in our state.”
“It is important not to point fingers and stereotype a community for what happened Tuesday,” said Dennis Denno, a spokesman for the Michigan Democratic Party.
“The last thing we need is partisan bickering and scapegoating and stereotyping. I’m really proud we worked so well together and were able to do this.”
