[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 66 (Monday, April 24, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S5564]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       THE OKLAHOMA CITY BOMBING

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, last week, when most of us were home 
visiting our constituents, our two colleagues from Oklahoma faced a 
terrible disaster in their State. A 4,000-pound bomb detonated outside 
the Murrah Federal Office Building in Oklahoma City, not only 
destroying that structure and killing dozens of innocent men, women, 
and children, but taking a tremendous toll on the psyche of all 
Americans as well.
  For years the United States has largely been spared the indignity of 
terrorist acts within its borders, but all that seems to have changed 
recently. In the last 2 years, we have suffered two deadly bombing 
attacks in the United States, one in New York City and last week's in 
Oklahoma City. While the images of injured and shocked people stumbling 
through the streets of Manhattan were disturbing, there was perhaps no 
sight as unsettling as seeking the near lifeless body of a young baby 
that was caught in last week's blast being passed from a police officer 
to a firefighter. Tragically, the child died and with it died a piece 
of our innocence. For the bomb that destroyed that building was not 
built by the hands of cold-hearted, calculating, and well financed 
foreign terrorists. Quite the contrary, the man who authorities believe 
is responsible for the bombing is a young American.
  How, we all wonder, could an American do this to his fellow citizens? 
While we despise those responsible for bombing the World Trade Center, 
the attack in Oklahoma City, America's Heartland, seems so much more 
disturbing. When we think of terrorist actions against the United 
States, we think only those outside our borders would wish to do us 
harm. It is inconceivable to us that a fellow countryman would possess 
a hatred so deep and inflamed that he would be motivated to act against 
our Nation. How could one American commit an act that equates with 
premeditated, mass murder against other Americans? There is no answer 
and perhaps that is what is so disturbing to us.
  The events of the last several days have happened at a breakneck pace 
and it is sometimes hard to maintain a focus and perspective on just 
what has occurred. We must remember, that as of this morning, 78 
people, many of them Government servants, too many of them children, 
lost their lives for no logical or explicable reason. That thanks to 
tireless efforts of hundreds of Federal, State, and local law 
enforcement officials, suspects in this crime were quickly identified 
and are being rapidly brought to justice.
  We discovered that there is a whole subculture of people who are 
fearful of their lawfully elected representatives. Some of these people 
believe that the Government is involved in the conspiracy to go to war 
against the citizens of the United States, and that they must protect 
themselves from their own Government.
  While we truly do live in a world that is filled with dangerous 
people, it is also a world where the good outnumber the bad. Volunteers 
and relief supplies continue to pour into Oklahoma City, and people 
throughout the United States have banded together in shows of faith and 
sympathy for those who died or lost loved ones.
  Most of all, we were reminded that America is still a very unique 
place, and it is a shame we must literally fear one of our neighbors 
might wish to destroy what is so special to all.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.
  Mr. NICKLES. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. NICKLES. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

                          ____________________