Former Rep. Jane Harman, D-Calif., stood on the House steps of the Capitol under silver clouds on Friday morning, remembering how she had gathered outside with colleagues 25 years ago, unsure of what to expect after planes hijacked by terrorists attacked the Pentagon and World Trade Center.

Harman also paid tribute to United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pa., on Sept. 11, 2001, after passengers took control of the plane. Evidence later showed that it was intended for the Capitol.

“Had this target been hit, many of us were milling outside here, right here,” she said in a speech. “There would have been a continuity of government crisis. And it is worth reflecting how lucky we were, in certain bizarre ways, to have avoided that.”

Harman was joined by several other former lawmakers, as well as current Rep. Glenn F. Ivey, D-Md., to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks in an event organized by the Association of Former Members of Congress.

Both Republicans and Democrats stressed the importance of bipartisanship in the days following the attack, pointing to the cross-party collaboration necessary to establish the 9/11 Commission. Bipartisan legislative efforts also led to the creation of the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.

“When we are divided, when we can’t agree on the facts, we can’t agree on the vulnerabilities, we can’t agree on our defense, and we become a more vulnerable nation as a result,” former Rep. Tim Roemer, D-Ind., said in remarks. He represented Indiana’s 3rd District from 1991 to 2003 and served as ambassador to India under President Barack Obama.

After the speeches, everyone gathered on the steps to sing “God Bless America.” Former members clasped hands in a scene reminiscent of the one from 25 years ago when reeling lawmakers gathered to condemn the attacks and vow that the government would remain open.

“I didn’t check whether the guy next to me was a Democrat or a Republican,” Harman said. “I actually don’t know. And that was the point on 9/11. We all worked together.”

Former Rep. Larry Bucshon, an Indiana Republican who left Congress in 2025 after seven terms, said he believes most members of Congress strive for bipartisanship in their work, even as some of the most visible members have become increasingly strident in political feuds.

“I can tell you, amongst the rank-and-file members of Congress, in contrast to what you see on TV, everybody wants to work together,” he said. “Most of the people here on both sides of the aisle really are truly here trying to help their constituents. People want, fundamentally, to work together.”

At 8:46 a.m., the same time the first plane hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center, a bell rang out from the U.S. Capitol Police alert system and announced a campus-wide moment of silence. The chatter of the crowd ceased as people bowed their heads.

Afterward, former Rep. Derek Kilmer, a Washington Democrat who also left Congress in 2025, reflected on that day and the bipartisan legislative efforts that followed.

“I think an event like this, where you saw Democrats and Republicans on the House steps singing ‘God Bless America’ and holding hands is a reminder that there are moments we can come together,” he said. “And it shouldn’t take national crises for that to happen.”