[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 71 (Tuesday, May 2, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H4443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRAGEDY IN OKLAHOMA CITY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 4, 1995, the gentlewoman from Texas [Ms. Jackson-Lee] is 
recognized for 5 minutes.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to be able to offer 
on behalf of the constituents of the 18th Congressional District my 
deepest sympathy to the citizens, and families, and victims, adults and 
children, of the tragedy in Oklahoma City. I watched as the outpouring 
of love of Americans and aid from across this Nation and across the 
world poured into that great city. But, more importantly, I watched as 
the valor of each individual citizen was highlighted as each came to 
the cause and the crisis of the people. I watched the laws of this land 
be in place. I watched the Constitution remain stable during this very 
severe crisis. I heard the debate as people wanted, most of all, for 
the safety and security of those that were there and the immediate 
assistance to those people. It gave me comfort, one, that Americans 
will always rise to the
 aid of their fellow neighbors, and, two, that the Constitution is 
still very strong.

  I rise, as well, however, to be able to ask that those who believe in 
the Constitution would recognize that, if they would oppose some of the 
actions and activities that we have heard occurring over these last 
couple of days, that they, too would speak up. If they are against 
hatred, hate mongering, if they are against intolerance, I would like 
to hear their voices as well, for it is important, as we do adhere to 
the laws of this land and as we accept the value of the Constitution 
and the Bill of Rights, that, yes, we recognize all of us have such 
rights. It is important that America not coddle terrorists, be they 
domestic or international. It is important not to hear that the actor 
or alleged actor in this incident is like the boy next door. If the 
facts are true, the actor is a murderer, plain and simple.
  And so I support and appreciate the leadership of President Clinton 
in light of the fact that he has struck a balance, one of applauding 
the valor of citizens in Oklahoma City and appreciating the democracy 
of this Nation, but yet challenging those Americans who would have 
normally kept silent on the hatred that is violating this Nation. It is 
time to stand up and speak up.
  And those of us in Congress must make a commitment to you, as 
Americans, that, one, we will act in a bipartisan manner, particularly 
myself as a member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, to accept, 
and respond, and affirm your constitutional rights, but at the same 
time enhance your quality of life, and protect you. And to those 
Federal employees let me say, ``Thank you so very much for, yes, you 
have gone beyond the measure of duty. All over this Nation you serve 
Americans, and you served them with good cheer, and love, and 
competence and excellence. Many of them lost their life in Oklahoma 
City. Many of you are saddened by the tragedy. Many of my district were 
forced to evacuate their building over the last week or so because of 
bomb threats in the city of Houston, but you have kept the faith, you 
have remained strong, and so I salute you.''
  My commitment is to work ever hard protecting the Constitution with 
my colleagues, but yet responding to terrorists wherever they may be 
and acknowledging that they, too, must come to justice, not coddled, 
but standing up before the courts of law and accepting whatever charges 
are being made effectively, forcefully, and with the full impact of the 
law. My hat is off to those in Oklahoma City, my prayers remain with 
them, and my commitment is that we must make this country a just 
country, a fair country, an equal country, but certainly a safe country 
under the laws of the land and keeping in mind the strength of the 
Constitution of the United States of America.


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