[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 90 (Tuesday, June 18, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H6434]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMENDING THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION FOR A JOB WELL DONE

  (Mr. OXLEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. OXLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the Federal Bureau of 
Investigation and the Department of Justice for the peaceful resolution 
reached last Thursday in the armed standoff involving the so-called 
Montana Freemen who are charged with threatening public officials and 
other crimes.
  The potential for violence was high throughout this confrontation. 
The fact that the suspects surrendered without a shot being fired 
speaks well of FBI negotiations and the reforms instituted at DOJ for 
dealing with such crisis situations.
  I particularly note FBI Director Louis Freeh's personal oversight of 
the case and his determination to see the lessons of past standoffs 
institutionalized at the Bureau. Federal law enforcement is the target 
of a great deal of second-guessing when tragedies occur. They deserve 
recognition for their professionalism when a tense situation is 
resolved peacefully.
  Mr. Speaker, not every warrant can be executed without incident. That 
goes with the turf. All the more reason to commend the FBI for a job 
well done.

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