O’Neal: House of Representatives Must Denounce Speaker McClinton’s Remarks

September 11, 2026

WASHINGTON – On the eve of the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Speaker Joanna McClinton made disgusting remarks that seemed to blame that day on the political actions and policies of those she disagrees with, said Rep. Tim O’Neal (R-Washington), who serves as the Republican Whip and issued this statement:

“The 25th anniversary of 9/11 is a moment to remember the victims and honor the first responders who ran toward danger that day. Using that moment to pivot into ‘the brutality of this federal government’ and to tie acts of terrorism to policy disagreements is offensive to say the least. The Speaker of the House inferring that Americans brought this disaster or other future attacks onto themselves is an outrage and a spit in the face to those who lost loved ones that day.

“As a combat veteran of the War on Terror, I am deeply offended. American democracy has changed the world for the better, and I am proud to have stood beside many patriots who fought to protect this country from those who sought to harm it.

“In the near future, I will be circulating a resolution to officially condemn Speaker McClinton’s remarks. I call on all of my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me. The acts of terror on Sept. 11, 2001, were attacks on the very values and beliefs that make America great, not a justified response to politics. To think otherwise is dangerous and only contributes to rising political tensions across the country.”



Representative Tim O’Neal
48th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tracy Polovick
717.260.6358
tpolovick@pahousegop.com