It's a familiar trek for NY1 reporters, who frequently travel to Washington for stories about the city's Congressional delegation, but one that's about to come to an end.

This summer, Time Warner plans to open a D.C. bureau that will cover the capital for its 14 cable news networks, which include networks in North Carolina and Austin, Texas, along with NY1 and YNN.

"If you looked at all of our trips down to Washington D.C., we thought it just made the most sense to create a bureau there," said Bernadine Han, the vice president of news for the company's news and local programming division.

The four-person bureau will have a bureau chief, two video journalists, and a video producer. NY1′s Leslie Mayes has been hired as the video producer--the only spot that's been filled thus far, though Han said she's close to hiring a bureau chief.

"It's huge," Han said of the move. "At a time when a lot of other news organizations are shrinking, we're being given the resources to expand."

Time Warner is still finalizing its lease agreement with C-SPAN, and is hoping to have the space built out and reporting by mid-July.

"It's good timing because we're now getting into the presidential campaigns," she said. "All of our news channels will have political shows, we're going to be heavy into carrying the conventions and everything else. So the timing of this is going to be key, to help us really cover presidential politics."

Bin Laden Photos: Plenty of senators have seen unofficial ones. [Politico]

Bin Laden Photos: Peter King is skipping his chance to see them tomorrow. [Michael Amon]

2012: King wants Rudy to run. [National Review]

2012: What tomorrow night's debate already says about Tim Pawlenty. [Dan Amira]

2012: Jon Huntsman was in New York meeting with donors. [Michael Shear]

Trump: Indy 500 recondsidering its invitation. [Indianapolis Star]

Cuomo: Taking first-year priorities to the people. [Capital Tonight]

Albany: Senate Democrats livestream a push for ethics reform. [Daily Politics]

Albany: But Senate Republicans wouldn't let them use the good equipment. [Daily Politics]

Washington: Polls show wariness over G.O.P. plans for Medicare, Medicaid. [WSJ]

Washington: House passes No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act [House]

Baghdad: Better roads than NYC? [CBS]

DNC: Debbie Wasserman-Schulz is officially the new chair. [New York Times]

Senators Schumer and Gillibrand will both be in attendance. Congressman Nadler, who represents ground zero, will also be there. As will Republican Congressman Peter King, who chairs the Homeland Security Committee. King has frequently criticized the president in the past, but has expressed nothing but praise for his handling of the strike that resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden on Sunday.

Mayor Bloomberg is also expected to attend, and there's a possibility--unconfirmed, of course--that Andrew Cuomo will make the trip from Albany.

There might be some formerly-elected officials too. Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani told Politico he's considering the invitation, and a spokesman for former Governor George Pataki told the Daily News he'd like to attend, if he can get back in time from a trip to Texas.

Bin Laden was shot in the head during a raid on Sunday evening, and White House Press Secretary Jay Carney had previously called the photos "gruesome."

Lawmakers had been split on whether to release the photos, debating whether the conclusive evidence of bin Laden's death was worth the risk that it might inflame anti-American sentiment in the Arab world.

Long Island Congressman Peter King, who chairs the House Homeland Security Committee, argued for release of the photos on Piers Morgan's show last night, saying it was "probably the right thing to do," but also said he wouldn't "make a major issue with them on it."

Today, King held true to that, and said he respects the president's decision.

"I understand the president's decision and will not oppose it," King said in a statement. "While I have said that a photo release may be a good way to combat the predictable conspiracy theories about bin Laden's death, this is a decision for the President to make, and I respect his decision."

Here's a clip from his appearance last night:

It was just after 2 a.m., and young, drunk revelers were belting out chants of "U-S-A" and bellowing the Pledge of Allegiance. They waved large American flags. One woman crowd-surfed as professional photographers with bulky cameras took shots in her direction.

Ms. Cunningham said the celebration was the "closest thing to being insanely happy, united."

Around 4 a.m., police officers began lining the streets with metal barricades, gently prodding the crowd into a narrow section of sidewalk, making way for television trucks to stake out their positions with lanky light poles and miles of thick electric cables.

By the time the sun came up, those cathartic cheers had been replaced by something more sober and complicated, a struggle to make sense of what exactly an introspective and victimized city should feel at the death of a remote tormentor.

But for New York's elected officials, the mix of emotions was particularly public, as they tried to balance the elation of the occasion with the proper decorum, and the remembrances of those who died with the words of caution that something tragic could yet happen again.

"It's not a celebration; it's a little more somber," said Senator Charles Schumer just after 8 a.m. in the corner of a Sheraton ballroom, where Mr. Schumer was smiling broadly as aides set up a podium for a hasty press conference, before the senator's long-scheduled speech to the Association for a Better New York. The night before, Mr. Schumer had been at home, working on the computer with his wife and daughter when he saw that the president would be holding a press conference, and immediately suspected it was about Osama bin Laden. Mr. Schumer said it was a great victory for the West, and called it "a turning point in the war on terror," on par with "a Saratoga or a Gettysburg."

After taking a few questions, Mr. Schumer posed with a copy of the Daily News, which encouraged bid Laden to 'Rot In Hell' on its cover. "I think this is what people are thinking even if they're not saying it," Mr. Schumer said. "And I'm sure the family members are thinking it." Before his speech, Mr. Schumer pointed to the flag pin on his lapel, which he began wearing on Sept. 12, 2001. "I've never felt prouder to wear this flag than I feel this morning," he said. The crowd of business executives gave a standing ovation.

At 11 a.m., Rudy Giuliani was standing on the corner of Vesey Street, as sober tourists strolled by with maps and cameras. Over his left arm was an American flag, folded into a neat square. He had on a red and blue tie, and an American flag pin on his left lapel. His right shoe was untied.

Earlier in the morning, in phone interviews with Matt Lauer and Politico, Mr. Giuliani had said he didn't feel much like celebrating. The death of bin Laden--shot in the head by Navy Seals who infiltrated his luxurious Pakistani compound--wasn't how Mr. Giuliani hoped to see the story play out. He recalled telling President Bush back in 2001: "Let me execute him."

"I really did mean it," Mr. Giuliani told reporters at ground zero. "There is a sense of anger and there is a sense of revenge that isn't the most noble sentiment, but it's a real one. And I think you just have to be honest about your emotions." He added, "He deserved to die."

In a series of interviews with television stations lined up along Vesey Street, facing the ground zero construction site, Mr. Giuliani praised President Obama, but made sure to credit President Bush, too. "This doesn't happen in a day. This happens over a period of time, over a period of years," he told CNBC. "Our last two presidents deserve a lot of credit. ... Our two presidents, this one and the last one, look very good today."

By 1 p.m., Mayor Bloomberg was joined on an elevated platform inside the ground zero construction site. About 20 television cameras pointed at the mayor's podium; the tall, incomplete 1 World Trade Center was in the background. Three times Mr. Bloomberg noted that bin Laden was "dead" but New York's spirit was not.

"Our assumption is, bin Laden's disciples would like nothing better than to avenge his death by another attack in New York," said Police Commissioner Ray Kelly. "That is our operating premise. And we started taking precautions yesterday evening."

How exactly bin Laden's death would impact the city was not entirely clear. His Al Qaeda network had, by most accounts, diminished greatly in the decade since 2001. "Bin Laden directed here and was either the planner or the inspiration for a dozen plots in the city, including the Brooklyn Bridge, the subway system, bringing explosive material through shipping containers," Mr. Kelly said.

But he was not specific about bin Laden's connection to the recent plots.

"I think it's unclear as to what his latest influence was," the commissioner said. "Obviously, he was in a building, we're told, that had no Internet, no communications capacity of its own. So whatever he was doing, he was doing through couriers. But in terms of his immediate role, let's say in the last six months or a year, I couldn't tell you."

Throughout the afternoon, members of the city's far-flung Congressional delegation began to make their way south to D.C., where votes were scheduled for Monday evening, after a two-week recess. Congressman Eliot Engel spent the morning at J.F.K., after his overnight flight from Israel landed at 5 a.m. He had heard the news somewhere over the Atlantic, when the pilot announced bin Laden's death, to cheers from the cabin. "I am glad we killed him," said Mr. Engel, who cautioned that bin Laden's death alone wouldn't cripple Al Qaeda, nor bring the victims back. "At least we'll never hear that miserable voice or see that miserable face again."

"I'm happy that he was eliminated, because to have just captured him would have just invited every terrorist organization in the world to take hostages, and demand his release, and behead people and things like that," he added. A number of his New York colleagues had been making the rounds on television, and for a delegation often derided as painfully left-leaning by other parts of the country, they were roundly supportive of the president's action.

Congressman Jerrold Nadler, who had, in the past, questioned the president's executive action in Libya, called the strike "simple justice," and defended the president's prerogative on Good Day New York. "Any sovereign country is responsible for making sure that its territory is not used to attack another country," he said. "And if your territory is used to attack another country, you have the responsibility of stopping it."

But the delegation was careful not to preach closure.

"I think every time a victim hears the word 'closure,' they kind of say nothing will ever close," said Long Island Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, who lost her husband in a similarly senseless attack on the Long Island Railroad. "Because there's always an anniversary, always a holiday, that they'll miss their loved ones."

Late Monday evening, the White House announced that President Obama would travel to New York on Thursday to pay his respects at ground zero. But, on Tuesday morning, save for a dozen cameras clustered off a corner of the site, there were only hints of what had happened over the past 36 hours.

A couple of PATH commuters slowed down to read messages scrawled in brightly colored chalk.

"Justice Not Vengeance."

"No More Funding Pakistan / Cut Them Off"

"In Memory of Maurita Tam, 99th Floor."

A few fresh bouquets were stuck into the fence and, on one section, someone had taped pages from Monday's tabloids. Most of it went unnoticed as swarms of people hurried past. "As you can see, it's pretty much back to normal," said a police officer standing watch.

apaybarah@observer.com, rpillifant@observer.com

White House communications director Dan Pfeiffer confirmed the visit on Twitter about an hour ago, but a full schedule for the visit has yet to be announced. A number of local officials appeared at the World Trade Center site today to remember those who died.

The mayor's remarks reference the U.S. commitment to bringing to justice those who perpetrated the September 11 attacks, and said: "Yesterday, Osama bin Laden found out that America keeps its commitments."

He also cites the September 11 Memorial and the ongoing construction on the site as proof that the city will continue to remember that day, and that it will prevail over those who tried to cripple it.

"Osama bin Laden is dead, and the World Trade Center site is teeming with new life," he says. "Osama bin Laden is dead, and Lower Manhattan is pulsing with new activity. Osama bin Laden is dead, and New York City's spirit has never been stronger."

Here's the full text, as prepared for delivery:

"Good afternoon. In the dark days that followed September 11, 2001, Americans made a solemn commitment that we would always remember in our hearts and minds all those we lost. 

"In just four months, on the tenth anniversary of the attacks, thanks to the generosity of people from around the world, the National September 11^th Memorial will open, providing a powerful and permanent place of reflection and remembrance.

"Already, there is a generation of children growing up who were too young to understand what happened on 9/11 - and they may be too young to understand what the news of Bin Laden's death means. But it is our obligation in building the museum to ensure that the story of 9/11 is never forgotten.

"In the dark days that followed September 11^th, we made a solemn commitment that we would rebuild the World Trade Center site. As you can see, Seven World Trade Center is standing and open for business. Four World Trade Center has risen above 25 stories, One World Trade Center is now above 60 stories, and both are stretching higher every day. This is the largest, most complicated construction site in North America - and one of the most important in American history.

"In the dark days that followed September 11th, we made a solemn commitment - to the dead and the living - that we would bring to justice those responsible for killing more than 2,900 innocent people.

"Yesterday, Osama bin Laden found out that America keeps its commitments.

"Today, we have come to the site that terrorists attacked in 1993 and again in 2001 to re-affirm our commitments - to all those we lost, to the future we believe in, and to a more peaceful and just world.

"And we come to say, with gratitude for the courageous men and women who made it possible, that the forces of freedom and justice have once again prevailed over those who use terror to pursue tyranny.

"Osama bin Laden is dead, and the World Trade Center site is teeming with new life.

"Osama bin Laden is dead, and Lower Manhattan is pulsing with new activity.

"Osama bin Laden is dead, and New York City's spirit has never been stronger.

"The construction you see here is a rebuke to all of those who seek to destroy our freedoms and liberties. Nothing will ever return our loved ones - but we are rebuilding from the ashes and the tears a monument to the American spirit. New York's way is ever forward, ever skyward.

"Ten years ago a terrible evil visited this place. Today, let the spirits that are all around us know some peace and justice.

"Last night, spontaneous celebrations occurred here in Lower Manhattan, in Times Square, at the White House, in other public spaces, and within private homes around the country and the world. They were a tribute to the selfless valor and dedication of our armed forces, and to all those who have worked to prevent terrorist attacks over the past nine and a half years.

"During that time, the New York City Police Department has built the most sophisticated counter-terrorism operation of any police department in the world. Today, as it does every day, Commissioner Kelly and our counter-terrorism experts will adjust their strategies and deploy their resources based on the latest information.

"As of now, there are no new immediate threats against our city. But there is no doubt we remain a top target, and the killing of Bin Laden will not change that. Nor will it distract us from a mission that remains our absolutely highest priority: defending our city and country against all those who use violence to attack freedom.

"On behalf of all New York City residents, I want to congratulate our Commander-in-Chief, all the men and women in our Armed Forces, and in our intelligence community, for accomplishing this mission.

"And I also want to recognize, as President Obama did, the leadership of his predecessor, President Bush.

"In the days after 9/11, President Bush came here to Ground Zero - and stood on the rubble, shoulder-to-shoulder with our rescue and recovery workers - and used a bullhorn to tell the world that that we would bring to justice those who attacked our city and our country.

"He never wavered in that mission - and his leadership was crucial to yesterday's victory.

"Today, we are joined by a number of family members who lost loved ones in the 9/11 attacks, as well as Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, Fire Department Commissioner Sal Cassano, and Port Authority Executive Director Chris Ward. 

"I also want to acknowledge Joe Daniels, the executive director of the 9/11 Memorial and Foundation, as well as two leaders who played such important roles in helping our city and country heal in the immediate aftermath of the attacks: Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Governor George Pataki.

"Now, I'd like to ask Chris Ward, Speaker Quinn, Commissioner Kelly, Commissioner Cassano, Anthoula Katsimatides - whose brother John worked at Cantor Fitzergerald - and some of the other people here to say a few words."

 

Giuliani heard the news that Osama bin Laden had been killed while watching Fox News last night and told Politico that he didn't feel much like celebrating. Giuliani also spoke to Matt Lauer this morning, praising President Obama's courage for ordering such a difficult strike and saying he was "satisfied but not elated," while reminiscing about the time he told President Bush he'd like to execute bin Laden.

"The anger is still the same as the day it happened," Giuliani told reporters at Ground Zero.

Giuliani said he was pleased that bin Laden was dead, but acknowledged the possible threats it might cause New York City.

"I kind of sleep easier long term, not as well short term," he said, "meaning long term I think this will help us a a lot...but short term, there are more dangers."

Here's Giuliani's conversation with Lauer this morning:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

"It's a moment of triumph and I think it's very important for New Yorkers," she said in an interview on CBS' Early Show this morning. She said she had spoken to some firefighters and other responders, including John Feal, with whom she worked closely on the 9/11 health care bill, and said: "They just feel like it's one for the good guys."

Gillibrand was asked about U.S. relations with Pakistan, which she visited in November. "We've had a very push-me-pull-me relationship with Pakistan for a long time," she said. "We have invested billions of dollars in that country, but when we've asked them to run certain operations, we don't always get the answer that we want."

Mayor Michael Bloomberg called it a victory, and said he hopes it will comfort the victims of September 11.

After September 11, 2001, we gave our word as Americans that we would stop at nothing to capture or kill Osama bin Laden. After the contribution of millions, including so many who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, we have kept that word.  

"The killing of Osama bin Laden does not lessen the suffering that New Yorkers and Americans experienced at his hands, but it is a critically important victory for our nation - and a tribute to the millions of men and women in our armed forces and elsewhere who have fought so hard for our nation.

"New Yorkers have waited nearly ten years for this news. It is my hope that it will bring some closure and comfort to all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001."

Congressman Peter King praised the president, but also gave partial credit to former President George W. Bush. 

"I commend President Obama on the announcement of the killing of Osama bin Laden.

"Today, the American people have seen justice.  The leader of the United States' top enemy has gotten what he deserves for orchestrating the deaths of nearly 3,000 innocent Americans on September 11, 2001.

"In 2001, President Bush said 'we will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail.'  President Bush deserves great credit for putting action behind those words.  President Obama deserves equal credit for his resolve in this long war against al-Qaeda. 

"This great success would not have been possible without the tireless work of countless brave men and women who have served around the world in this War on Terror." 

Senator Charles Schumer hoped for closure, but also cited bin Laden's influence as a reason to continue pursuing the war on terror.

"This is a thunderous strike for justice for the thousands of my fellow New Yorkers -- and citizens from all over the world -- who were murdered on 9/11. It took close to ten years, but the world's most wanted terrorist has finally met his deserved fate. New York's heart is still broken from the tragedy of 9/11, but this at least brings some measure of closure and consolation to the victims and their families.

"This is a massive accomplishment for the countless military and intelligence personnel who have been urgently dedicated to this task for the past decade. Because Bin Laden's evil dogma has poisoned the minds of so many others, we cannot let up in the war on terror. This successful mission sends a definitive message to those who would test the resolve of the people of the United States of America: do not doubt our resolve; if you do us harm, we will find you, we will mete out justice, and we will prevail."

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney offered broad congratulations, and consolation to bin Laden's victims and those who perished pursuing him.

"This is a great victory for lovers of freedom and justice everywhere. Congratulations to our intelligence community, our military and the president. My thoughts are with the families of Osama bin Laden's many thousands of victims, and the brave servicemen and women who have laid down their lives in pursuit of this murderous terrorist."