[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 72 (Wednesday, May 3, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E938]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                          PREVENTING TERRORISM

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                          HON. LEE H. HAMILTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 3, 1995
  Mr. HAMILTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I would like to insert my 
Washington Report for Wednesday, May 3, 1995 into the Congressional 
Record.
                          Preventing Terrorism

       All of us are filled with deep sorrow and anger over the 
     terrorist bombing in Oklahoma City. This brutal tragedy is 
     particularly frightening because it brought terrorism to the 
     nation's heartland.
       At the same time, it is inspiring to see the valiant rescue 
     workers and united community spirit as Americans from across 
     the country assist in relief efforts. No country is stronger 
     or more open-hearted in times of crisis. We should also be 
     proud of the remarkable speed of law enforcement officers in 
     arresting suspects and tracing the origins of the crime.
       The consequences of these events will be with us for many 
     years. Not least is that the personal insecurity Americans 
     have felt from random violence and crime will now be 
     increased. Americans are worried about terrorism, but much 
     more worried that it could hit close to them.
       Unfortunately, terrorism cannot be stopped simply by 
     catching criminals after a bomb explodes. We must reexamine 
     and intensify our efforts to prevent terrorism.
       Immediate Action: There is widespread consensus in Congress 
     to take swift action to give the government enhanced powers 
     to fight terrorism. Congress will quickly pass 
     counterterrorism legislation. It is expected to include:
       Law Enforcement: A central counterterrorist task force will 
     be created to coordinate the efforts of different agencies. 
     The President has requested 1,000 additional agents and 
     prosecutors for this effort, which will be focused more on 
     intelligence and prevention than law enforcement.
       Criminal Punishment: The Oklahoma City terrorists will be 
     tried under the federal death penalty for terrorist acts, a 
     new provision from last year's crime bill. Terrorist acts 
     include any act of mass destruction that results in death and 
     all attacks on federal property. New legislation will 
     increase criminal penalties and prohibit probation or reduced 
     sentences for terrorist acts or attempted terrorist acts.
       Explosives: Congress will consider measures to make 
     chemicals--such as those used in Oklahoma City--less 
     volatile, easier to trace, and more difficult to obtain in 
     large quantities.
       State-sponsored Terrorism: While the Oklahoma City bombing 
     appears to be domestic in origin, we must also increase our 
     efforts against terrorism sponsored by other nations. In the 
     past, terrorist actions connected to Libya, Iraq, and other 
     countries have been met with strict economic sanctions, 
     military force, and political isolation.
       Nuclear Materials: Counterterrorism legislation will place 
     additional restrictions on the transfer of nuclear materials. 
     The Oklahoma City bombing reinforces the need for strong 
     measures to prevent terrorists from obtaining nuclear 
     technology.
       Other: Congress is also expected to, at significant 
     additional cost, enhance security at federal buildings, 
     airports, and ports; strengthen the ability of the government 
     to deport aliens who are connected with terrorist activities; 
     make it easier to use military expertise to investigate 
     terrorist incidents; accelerate research on high-technology 
     surveillance; give broader FBI access to credit card, travel, 
     and phone records of suspected terrorists; freeze U.S. assets 
     of radical foreign groups or individuals that seek political 
     ends through violence; and give the FBI more latitude in 
     eavesdropping--a court surveillance order would still be 
     required, but there would be more flexibility once an order 
     was issued.
       The challenge is to protect our civil liberties while also 
     protecting the people. I think it is important to uphold the 
     requirement that law enforcement officials have a reasonable 
     indication of criminal activity before a judge approves 
     surveillance orders. Without such as requirement, it is easy 
     to foresee abuse in monitoring law-abiding groups.
       Rhetoric: For a long time I have been concerned about the 
     consequences of virulent political rhetoric. Any public 
     figure today is aware of the mounting anger against 
     government, and it is legitimate to criticize the government 
     for its failings and to offer productive solutions. It is 
     certainly unfair to draw a direct line from rhetoric to acts 
     of violence, and we should resist broad-based and unspecified 
     blame. But it is also true that words have consequences. 
     Sweeping, unfounded denunciations in a democracy are not 
     healthy, from any political viewpoint. In Oklahoma, anti-
     government extremists attacked the government. Last week in 
     California, an environmental zealot killed a timber industry 
     executive. We should come out on the side of free speech, but 
     we should also understand that extreme rhetoric, 
     characterizing politics as warfare and political opponents as 
     demons, creates an environment in which unstable persons can 
     be encouraged to commit violent acts.
       I think we need a period of toned-down rhetoric. When 
     individuals of any political persuasion exploit or encourage 
     hatred, it divides the country and contributes to the 
     cynicism Americans feel about politics.
       Root Causes: The only long-term solution for terrorism is 
     to rise above these divisions and address the political 
     grievances which provoke it. We must try to understand what 
     causes such violent anger, as well as what can be done about 
     it. Progress requires a serious assessment of the successes 
     and failures of government. We need to both confront pressing 
     problems, such as government excesses, job insecurity, and 
     family breakdown, as well as try to clear up gross 
     misperceptions about what government is doing. It is 
     impossible to read some of the claims of various underground 
     groups without recognizing we have a long way to go in 
     understanding the politics of hate.
       Conclusion: The long-term impact of the Oklahoma City 
     bombing is uncertain. It may lead to similar incidents, but 
     it may also lead to a more positive assessment of the role of 
     government in society, and more respect for those who serve 
     us. We may even see a renewed emphasis on family and 
     community in our daily lives. I am hopeful for a shift away 
     from confrontation and destructive criticism toward broad, 
     productive cooperation in solving our nation's problems.
     

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