September 2001 George W. Bush speech to a joint session of Congress

On September 20, 2001, President George W. Bush addressed a joint session of Congress in the wake of the September 11 attacks and set the course for his administration’s response to terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. He condemned the Taliban for oppressing its people and supporting terrorists, demanded that Al-Qaeda leaders be turned over, and cast the coming struggle as one between good and evil. With British Prime Minister Tony Blair present in support, the address became a pivotal statement of U.S. policy. It is widely seen as the opening declaration of the global war on terrorism and a turning point from shock to long-term strategy.

Washington, District of Columbia · United States