Sept. 11 spawns activists in D.C. fighting for change

WASHINGTON -- Stephen Push knows the halls of Congress are a strange place to seek comfort, a curious refuge from images of terrorists, crashing planes and the death of his wife.

But after Sept. 11, he had little use for his old life as an investor. He went on leave. Now he's busier than ever.

He bickers with senators on the phone over how the FBI should fight terrorism. He debates the finer points of cockpit security on CNN, thrusting facts and parrying remarks with the best of them.

"The worst feeling was helplessness," Push said. "I'm done being helpless. I need to be on the front line. Few other things can occupy my mind. I can't read books. I can't watch movies. They can't distract me from the hurt. "

Push, whose wife was killed when a hijacked plane hit the Pentagon, is one of a legion who have found new purpose since losing loved ones in the terrorist attacks. First horrified, then heartbroken; now, defiant and determined, many Sept. 11 activists are becoming on Capitol Hill regulars.

In Washington, two groups formed, Pentagon Angels and Families of September 11, where Push is a board member.

In New York, the 9-11 Widows' and Families Association and the WTC United Family Group focus on issues surrounding the destruction of the World Trade Center.

On Capitol Hill, the activists are shown respect in the form of access and inclusion.

When House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt, D-Mo., went on CNN to press for the Democrats' airline security bill, he called Push and asked him to come along. Push's Rolodex now includes personal numbers for Sen. Patrick J. Leahy, D-Vt., and Rep. James Moran, D-Va.

Ambitious goals

The groups' agendas are ambitious. They want more sky marshals on planes, millions of dollars in high-tech security equipment for airports, and expensive screening equipment at border check points. They already have won federal aid of at least $500,000 for each victim's family.

At age 26, Carrie Lemack is one of the youngest members of the Families of September 11 -- and its president. She blitzes Congress members in person and by phone regularly, and sounds like a veteran of Capitol Hill.

"There are so many long-term issues that are relevant to so many peoples' lives, from security and safety to how we should remember what was done," said Lemack, whose mother was on board American Airlines Flight 11 when it crashed into the World Trade Center.