Statement by James Wootton, President of the US Chamber’s Institute for Legal Reform (ILR), regarding the death of ILR Board Member Barbara Olson, who perished Tuesday, September 11, 2001, on American Airlines Flight 77, which crashed into the Pentagon.

The leadership and staff of the Institute for Legal Reform are deeply saddened by the death of ILR Board Member Barbara Olson, who died yesterday when the hijacked plane carrying her and 63 others crashed into the Pentagon. The courage, presence of mind and righteous indignation Barbara displayed on board that fateful flight is the same missionary zeal that motivated her every action in the realm of law and public service. Barbara’s razor-sharp legal insights were surpassed only by her passion for ending abuses in America’s legal system. Indeed, the cause of litigation reform has lost a valued and tenacious advocate. Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband, U.S. Solicitor General Ted Olson, her family and all those who loved, admired and respected her.

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