California Lawmakers Offer Condolences Following Brussels Attacks

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) – Lawmakers representing the Bay Area and California offered their condolences Tuesday, after terrorists attacked the main airport and train station in Brussels, Belgium.

Here are some selected responses.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Vice Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee:

"This morning we woke to the devastating news of yet another horrific terrorist attack that claimed dozens of innocent lives in Brussels. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all the Belgian people, and I'm wishing a speedy recovery for those wounded. Today, as on all days, the United States stands in solidarity with Belgium and all our allies in the global fight against terror.

"As we gather the facts of the blasts at Zaventem airport and near Maelbeek metro station, it's clear to me that terrorists remain hell-bent on attacking the West and inflicting mass carnage on innocent civilians. I refuse to accept this as the 'new normal.'

"We must use all the tools at our disposal to fight back. The way to prevent attacks like this is to develop good intelligence and always be vigilant. We can and must root out terrorist organizations like ISIL, interrupt plots before they are executed and protect innocent civilians."

• PHOTOS: World Mourns Victims Of Brussels Terror Attacks

Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA), senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee:

"My thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost loved ones in these horrific attacks and all of the injured. We stand with the people of Brussels and all of Europe as we join together to defeat these cowardly and barbaric terrorists."

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco):

"All Americans share in horror at the unspeakable terror attacks in Brussels today. Our most heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those still waiting for word from their loved ones.

"The United States will offer our full assistance to the Belgian people as they work to bring the perpetrators and the planners of this attack to justice. We will be relentless in our fight against terror.

"We will not allow terrorists to succeed in blinding us with fear. To confront this threat abroad and protect the American people at home, we must be both strong and smart. No terrorist can overcome the strength of our values."

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence:

"I stand with the people of Belgium and mourn the loss of life. Today's attacks, on a 183-year ally and the host country to NATO, must not paralyze us with fear or go unanswered.

"This attack has an ISIS signature we've seen before. They clearly are determined to plan and strike our allies across Europe, but have also demonstrated a reach that inspires lone wolves to attack us at home. We must not live in fear and should go about our regular activities, but our military must continue to pound ISIS in Iraq and Syria while our law enforcement and intelligence communities aggressively investigate all threats and leads at home."

Other lawmakers posted their condolences through Twitter. Among them, Gov. Jerry Brown:

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) also expressed condolences. Lee is part of the delegation visiting Cuba with President Barack Obama.

CBS News reported Tuesday morning that 36 people have been killed in the attacks. ISIS has claimed responsibility.