[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 49 (Wednesday, April 23, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E723]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE OKLAHOMA CITY BOMBING--APRIL 21, 1997

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. THOMAS J. MANTON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 23, 1997

  Mr. MANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the second 
anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. On April 19, 1995, a car bomb 
exploded outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma 
City, OK, killing 169 people and injuring hundreds more. This act of 
cowardice was an attack on innocent children and defenseless citizens, 
and struck at the very heart of our democracy.
  This act of terrorism, the worst in the Nation's history on American 
soil, shocked, frightened, angered and saddened the citizens of 
Oklahoma and the United States. But throughout this time of hardship, 
the acts of courage, compassion, and professionalism by the citizens of 
Oklahoma and countless volunteers that descended upon the Murrah 
building are indelibly etched in the memories of people all over the 
world. These heroes, which included law enforcement officers, 
firefighters, search and rescue professionals, doctors, nurses, and 
volunteers throughout the country, gave selflessly in providing comfort 
and compassion to the victims of the attack and their families.
   Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress who hails from New York City, 
the site of the World Trade Center Bombing 4 years ago, I know the fear 
and loss which these cowardly acts can have on a community. While the 
devastation which occurred in Oklahoma City is far greater than that 
which New York sustained, I know the people of New York have a special 
affinity for the suffering experienced by the families and friends of 
the victims of the Oklahoma tragedy.
  I think all Americans agree that this victimization of innocent 
people is a trend which we cannot allow to continue. That is why I 
introduced and urge my colleagues to join me in co-sponsoring H.R. 538, 
the Explosives Fingerprinting Act, which would require explosive 
manufacturers to use high technology additives--taggants--in their 
explosives. These taggants would serve as identifying signatures which 
show where and when a particular explosive material was made. This 
legislation, which I originally offered during the 103d Congress in 
response to the World Trade Center bombing, is supported by major law 
enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and 
Firearms.
   Mr. Speaker, it is time to give our law enforcement officials a 
valuable new tool in their arsenal. I would encourage my colleagues to 
join me as cosponsors of this important legislation, thereby taking a 
small step toward making sure another terrorist act like the bombing in 
Oklahoma City does not occur again.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to again express my deepest 
sympathies to the families and friends of the victims of Oklahoma City 
on this the second anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing.

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