[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 118 (Wednesday, September 9, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H7434]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  NATIONAL COMMISSION ON TERRORISM ACT

  (Mr. WOLF asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, while Congress was in recess over the last few 
weeks, the news was filled with reports on the bombing of the U.S. 
embassies in East Africa and subsequent retaliation strikes in Sudan 
and Afghanistan. Experts in the field of counterterrorism are warning 
about a coming long and difficult struggle between the U.S. and the 
forces of terrorism.
  While much valuable work is being done by the intelligence community 
to combat terrorism, we need to take a close look at national terrorism 
policy. Today I will introduce, with other Members, the National 
Commission on Terrorism Act which will serve an important role in 
making sure we do everything possible to prevent future terrorist 
attacks.
  This legislation would create a commission consisting of 15 
distinguished experts in the field of terrorism including 3 Congressmen 
and 3 Senators. Five members appointed by the President, 5 by the 
Speaker, and 5 by the Senate majority leader in consultation with the 
minority. Over the course of 6 months, the Commission will be charged 
with developing a clear and effective strategy for protecting the 
American people.
  Mr. Speaker, with the threat of terrorism on the rise and new threats 
of chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons looming on the horizon, I 
believe it is the right time for a comprehensive assessment of our 
Nation's terrorism policy.
  I urge my colleagues to cosponsor the bill and hopefully we will pass 
it before we go home.

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