House Republicans are rolling out legislation, obtained exclusively by the Washington Reporter, that would award one of the heroes of 9/11 a Congressional Gold Medal that they believe is long overdue.
The Frank Siller Congressional Gold Medal Act, introduced by Rep. Neal Dunn (R., Fla.), would “award a Congressional Gold Medal to Frank Siller, in recognition of his contributions to memorialize all who lost their lives in the tragic events of 9/11, his efforts to support affected loved ones, and his enduring advocacy to serve those who serve their country,” according to the legislation, which is cosponsored by Reps. Don Bacon (R., Neb.), Chuck Fleischmann (R., Tenn.), Buddy Carter (R., Ga.), Dan Meuser (R., Pa.), Chuck Edwards (R., N.C.), Maria Salazar (R., Fla.), and John Rutherford (R., Fla.).
Dunn explained to the Reporter that it is important for him to honor Siller’s courage “as a veteran myself.”
“I am deeply moved by Frank’s advocacy and commitment to those who serve our country,” Dunn added. “There are few more deserving, Frank Siller truly represents the best of the American spirit, and I am proud to introduce this legislation to award him a Congressional Gold Medal to honor his impact on our nation.”
Frank Siller founded the organization Tunnel to Towers, which has “helped pay off mortgages for the families of fallen first responders and Gold Star families, built mortgage-free homes for disabled veterans, provided housing for homeless veterans, and expanded national programs to ensure the sacrifices of America’s heroes are never forgotten,” Dunn noted.
Tunnel to Towers came about because “Frank’s brother, Stephen Siller, served with Squad 1 of the Brooklyn Fire Department and gave his life on September 11th after running through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel with 60 pounds of gear to reach the Twin Towers,” Dunn recounted. “In honoring Stephen’s sacrifice, Frank founded the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, dedicating his life to supporting our first responders, military service members, and their families.”
Frank Siller’s organization describes the heroism of his brother on 9/11 as follows: “Stephen heard on his radio and turned his truck around. He went to his firehouse to grab his gear and headed towards the then Brooklyn Battery Tunnel. When he arrived, the tunnel was closed for security reasons. Stephen strapped on his gear and ran through the tunnel to get to the South Tower, where he met up with the members of Squad 1.” Since its founding, the organization hosts one of the most popular 5k runs in America to commemorate Stephen’s sacrifice.
“Frank Siller exemplifies the American spirit,” Dunn said. “After losing his brother in the tragic terrorist attacks of September 11th, he turned his sorrow into service, continuing his brother’s legacy of selfless sacrifice.”
Carter, who co-sponsored Dunn’s legislation, told the Reporter that “the Congressional Gold Medal Award was made for people like Frank Siller, who turned the pain of losing his brother in selfless and patriotic service during the 9/11 terrorist attacks into an organization that has changed lives for thousands of American heroes. Through his work, $1 billion has been raised to support housing assistance for Gold Star families, injured and homeless veterans, and fallen first responders. It is a privilege to support Dr. Dunn’s bill awarding him this well-deserved honor.”