[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 89 (Monday, June 25, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H3488-H3491]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING 19 U.S. SERVICEMEN WHO DIED IN TERRORIST BOMBING OF KHOBAR 
                TOWERS IN SAUDI ARABIA ON JUNE 25, 1996

  Mr. McHUGH. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 161) honoring the 19 United 
States servicemen who died in the terrorist bombing of the Khobar 
Towers in Saudi Arabia on June 25, 1996, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 161

       Whereas June 25, 2001, marks the fifth anniversary of the 
     tragic terrorist bombing of the Khobar Towers military 
     housing compound in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia;
       Whereas 19 members of the United States Air Force were 
     killed in the bombing and 250 other United States military 
     personnel were wounded;
       Whereas the 19 airmen killed while serving their country 
     were Captain Christopher Adams, Sergeant Daniel Cafourek, 
     Sergeant Millard Campbell, Senior Airman Earl Cartrette, Jr., 
     Sergeant Patrick Fennig, Captain Leland Haun, Sergeant 
     Michael Heiser, Sergeant Kevin Johnson, Sergeant Ronald King, 
     Sergeant Kendall Kitson, Jr., Airman First Class Christopher 
     Lester, Airman First Class Brent Marthaler, Airman First 
     Class Brian McVeigh, Airman First Class Peter Morgera, 
     Sergeant Thanh Nguyen, Airman First Class Joseph Rimkus, 
     Senior Airman Jeremy Taylor, Airman First Class Justin Wood, 
     and Airman First Class Joshua Woody;
       Whereas the families of these brave airmen still mourn 
     their loss;
       Whereas on September 24, 1996, the House of Representatives 
     agreed to House Concurrent Resolution 200 of the 104th 
     Congress honoring the victims of that terrorist bombing;
       Whereas those guilty of the attack have yet to be brought 
     to justice; and
       Whereas terrorism remains a constant and ever-present 
     threat around the world: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That, on the occasion of the fifth anniversary 
     of the terrorist bombing of the Khobar Towers military 
     housing compound in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, the Congress--
       (1) recognizes the sacrifice of the 19 members of the 
     United States Air Force who died in that attack; and
       (2) calls upon every American to pause and pay tribute to 
     those brave airmen.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from

[[Page H3489]]

New York (Mr. McHugh) and the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. 
Tauscher) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh).


                             General Leave

  Mr. McHUGH. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks on H. Con. Res. 161.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. McHUGH. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution introduced 
by the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Isakson) honoring the commitment and 
sacrifice of the 19 servicemembers killed 5 years ago today on June 25, 
1996, when a terrorist truck bomb demolished the Khobar Towers barracks 
in Saudi Arabia in which they were stationed.
  This resolution should remind us that these brave Americans then, as 
well as those serving in uniform today, willingly risked their lives to 
defend United States' interests and the freedom and the values that we 
all enjoy as citizens. Such commitment imposes on the rest of us an 
obligation to ensure that we do not break faith with those who serve 
and that we respond to such commitment by resolving to provide the 
resources necessary for our military forces to successfully carry out 
the missions assigned to them.
  For the families and loved ones of those who died on this day, this 
resolution signals our continued understanding of the pain and loss 
that they feel and that the sacrifices made by these 19 men and women, 
some of America's best and brightest, will not, cannot, be forgotten.
  Finally, we as a Nation must understand that terrorism directed at 
Americans will continue for the foreseeable future. Five years ago, 
terrorists killed 19 Americans residing in Khobar Towers; 8 months ago, 
they killed 17 aboard the U.S.S. Cole. In the face of this terrorism, 
we must be vigilant to prevent or reduce the probability of it 
occurring, and relentless in the pursuit of those who perpetrate such 
horrendous actions.
  While I am pleased that Federal indictments have been issued in 
connection with the Khobar Towers attack, I and many others join me in 
a mutual concern that not all of those responsible for the attack have 
yet been identified. America should not rest until all the perpetrators 
have been brought to justice.
  Madam Speaker, I want to pay particular tribute to the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Isakson) for his work in putting together and advancing 
this worthy resolution. His commitment, I know, is shared by many in 
this House, certainly many on the Subcommittee on Military Personnel; 
the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Tauscher), the ranking member; 
the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Snyder); and so many others on both 
sides of the aisle who recognize that this sort of resolution knows no 
party. Rather, in joint celebration of lives that were cut off too 
short and in solemn resolution of a recognition of the loss of those 
lives, we join together.
  Madam Speaker, I would certainly urge all of my colleagues in the 
House today to join me in supporting this very, very worthy piece of 
action.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. TAUSCHER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, I would also like to join my esteemed colleague from 
New York (Mr. McHugh), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Military 
Personnel, in commending my colleague, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. 
Isakson), for his thoughtfulness today.
  This is a terrible day, a terrible anniversary, because 5 years ago 
today on June 25, 1996, a truck bomb exploded outside the fence around 
the Khobar Towers compound in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. The bomb, 
estimated at more than 3,000 pounds, detonated about 85 feet from a 
residential unit housing U.S. troops, killing 19 American servicemen 
and wounded hundreds of other people.
  The force of the explosion destroyed or damaged six high-rise 
apartment buildings and shattered windows throughout the residential 
compound. What is more, this attack demolished the illusion that 
American military posted in Saudi Arabia were immune from the terrorism 
that has plagued the rest of this very volatile region. It was a tragic 
and painful reminder of the risks our servicemen and women confront to 
protect the peace and American interests abroad.
  As we honor the 19 airmen who gave their lives in Saudi Arabia, we 
need to remember that they did not die in vain. As a result, we are 
developing new ways to protect our military forces in the post-Cold War 
geopolitical environment. We now understand that this means deploying 
U.S. forces to promote stability in new and unfamiliar areas. And we 
have to pay more attention than ever before to the security conditions 
under which our troops are deployed.
  Madam Speaker, a few days ago 14 Middle Easterners were indicted for 
this horrific act. I share a common sentiment with my colleagues and 
the rest of America that we regret it took so long to bring the 
indictments in this case. I know that we look forward to completing the 
court proceedings so the families of the heroes we honor today may 
begin to have a sense of closure.
  Madam Speaker, our action on this resolution today is a message to 
those who died, their family members, our Nation and the rest of the 
world, that we honor the sacrifices of these 19 servicemen and the 
families they left behind. They served with the highest and best 
military traditions. No one could have served better or given more.
  I thank the gentleman from New York (Chairman McHugh) and the House 
leadership for bringing this important issue to the floor. I urge my 
colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 161.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. McHUGH. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Isakson). As the gentlewoman from 
California (Mrs. Tauscher) and I have both mentioned, we are 
collectively very grateful to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Isakson) 
for having the concern and enacting the initiative to bring this 
resolution to us today on this very sad anniversary.
  Mr. ISAKSON. Madam Speaker, my thanks to the gentleman from New York 
(Mr. McHugh), the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Tauscher), the 
gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump), the chairman of committee, and on 
behalf of really all of us in the Congress of the United States, today 
to pay tribute to the 19 airmen who 5 years ago today sacrificed their 
lives in behalf of the people of the United States of America.
  Madam Speaker, I thought when I was drafting this resolution, it is 
kind of ironic that if you think about today, just a month ago we 
celebrated Memorial Day, where we honored the men and women who have 
died in the pursuit, and subsequently the defense, of freedom in wars, 
domestic and foreign, since the founding of our country.
  Five months from now we will celebrate Veterans' Day, where we pay 
tribute to every man and every woman who has ever worn a uniform on 
behalf of this great Nation.
  In 11 days, on the 4th of July, we celebrate the founding of America; 
we celebrate our birthday. We celebrate our Declaration of 
Independence, upon which our Founding Fathers pledged their lives, 
their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
  Today, we honor 19 airmen who gave their lives, the supreme 
sacrifice, at the hands of terrorists 20 miles away from Dhahran in 
Saudi Arabia. Today I join with all of this Congress in paying tribute 
to those men, who were Master Sergeant Kendall K. Kitson, Jr.; Tech 
Sergeant Daniel B. Cafourek; Tech Sergeant Patrick P. Fennig; Tech 
Sergeant Thanh Van Nguyen; Senior Airman Earl F. Cartrette, Jr.; Senior 
Airman Jeremy A. Taylor; Sergeant Millard D. Campbell; Airman First 
Class Brent E. Marthaler; Airman First Class Brian W. McVeigh; Airman 
First Class Peter J. Morgera; Airman First Class Joseph E. Rimkus; 
Airman First Class Joshua E. Woody; Captain Christopher J. Adams; 
Captain Leland T. Haun; Master Sergeant Michael G. Heiser;

[[Page H3490]]

Staff Sergeant Kevin J. Johnson; Airman First Class Justin R. Wood; 
Staff Sergeant Ronald L. King; and Airman First Class Christopher 
Lester.
  As we celebrate our 4th of July or Memorial Day or Veterans' Day on 
their designated day, for me this day will be a constant reminder of 
the sacrifice of these men; and it is my hope that all of America pause 
on this day today and each year thereafter to give thanks for their 
sacrifice and also be reminded of the threats of terrorism as they 
exist, both domestic and abroad.
  Today, in Washington D.C. the parents and loved ones of many of these 
who sacrificed their lives are the guests of the FBI in our city, and 
at this time I want to personally pay tribute to director Louis Freeh. 
Within hours after the announcement of this attack and this tragedy in 
Dhahran, Director Freeh boarded an aircraft, assembled 125 members of 
the FBI, and personally directed the beginning of the investigation in 
Saudi Arabia, which has led to the indictment last Thursday of 14 
accused of conspiring in this great tragedy.
  As Director Freeh announced his retirement last week, I am pleased 
today on the floor of this House on behalf of the many loved ones of 
these soldiers to express their grateful appreciation to his commitment 
to the very end of his tenure to attempting to bring to justice those 
who took the lives of our Nation's sons in defense of freedom. Today is 
a day for us to give thanks for the men who died on our behalf on that 
tragic evening.
  Madam Speaker, I ask the Members of this House to join in bipartisan 
and unanimous support in tribute for those brave 19, and to remind all 
Americans that we should continue to be ever vigilant of the terrors of 
terrorists and their danger, and ever thankful for the men and women 
that serve in our Armed Forces, keep us safe and keep us free.
  Mrs. TAUSCHER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 161.
  Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. McHUGH. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, with a final word of appreciation to the gentleman 
from Georgia (Mr. Isakson) and a final word of deepest sorrow and 
deepest appreciation to the families of these fallen heroes, we can 
never undo the tragedy that they have witnessed. We can never 
ameliorate the pain that I know is with them each and every day. But I 
would hope, and I know my colleagues join me in this hope, that with 
the adoption of this resolution, they will take from our action some 
solace in the fact that we do not forget that this Congress remains 
committed to the resolution of justice and to bringing to trial and to 
a proper conviction those who have wrought this tragedy upon such 
innocence.
  Madam Speaker, I again urge all of our colleagues to join us in 
support of this concurrent resolution.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
House Concurrent Resolution 161, honoring the Service Men Killed in 
Khobar Towers.
  From the frozen battlefield of Breed's Hill, most commonly known as 
the Battle of Bunker Hill, to the war-torn former provinces of 
Yugoslavia the military has repeatedly proven its ability to meet the 
challenges offered by this nation's leadership. Any time the nation 
called the men and women of the United States armed forces has answered 
in the affirmative and successfully met the challenges of their mission 
on the behalf of a free and independent United States of America.
  Five years ago, on this date, June 25, 1996, a terrorist bomb at the 
Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia killed 19 U.S. servicemen and wounded 400 
others. On June 21st of this year, a federal grand jury in Virginia 
returned a 46-count indictment that charged 13 Saudis and a Lebanese 
man with complicity in the bombing.
  Although none of those charged is now in the United States, I along 
with members of the Judiciary Committee will be working to see that 
justice is served in this matter.
  Prosecutors brought the charges now because the statute of 
limitations were to expire next week. I request that Saudi Arabia 
cooperate fully in our attempt to see that the guilty are brought 
before a court to answer for this act.
  I applaud the men and women of our nation's armed forces who protect 
and defend our national interest around the globe. The sacrifices of 
the men and women who are the United States Army have for over two 
centuries put the country's best interest ahead of their own for the 
benefit of all of our freedom.
  Today, we remember the sacrifices to this nation, becuse they have 
made the world a safer place for democracy and freedom. May those 19 
service men killed continue to be remembered for their bravery and 
commitment to this great nation.
  I commend the work done by Federal law-enforcement personnel in 
searching for those responsible for this terrible crime.
  I encourage all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to 
support this resolution.
  Mr. MICA. Madam Speaker, June 25, 2001 marks the fifth anniversary of 
the terrorist bombing of the U.S. military housing facility Khobar 
Towers in Saudi Arabia. Nineteen American servicemen were killed and 
hundreds wounded in that vicious attack. Last week the United States 
indicted some of those responsible for those murders. However long it 
takes to bring those indicted and those responsible for this terrorist 
act to justice, our country must pursue all guilty parties. Until those 
who perpetrated this heinous international crime are brought to 
justice, we cannot rest.
  I commend the Bush Administration, the Attorney General and the 
Federal Bureau of Investigation for making certain that this case is 
not forgotten. Florida and our nation lost too many innocent victims 
for this matter to be brushed aside. My Congressional District and the 
mother and family of AIC Brian McVeigh who was killed in Khobar Towers, 
continue to feel the pain of that great loss.
  The United States Congress, these surviving relatives, and all the 
others who lost their loved ones cannot rest until justice prevails.
  Mr. GILMAN. Madam Speaker, I commend Mr. Isakson for introducing H. 
Con. Res. 161, which honors the 19 United States servicemen who died in 
the terrorist bombing of Khobar Towers and the 250 other military 
personnel who were wounded on June 25, 1996. On the fifth anniversary 
of the bombing, we honor those who were killed and wounded for serving 
on the front lines of freedom, far from home.
  On June 21st, the Federal Bureau of Investigation indicted the 
Hizbollah terrorists, who attacked our military personnel. Iranian 
officials may also have been involved.
  The House International Relations has paid tribute to these brave men 
and women by remaining vigilant towards terrorism and Iran. 
Specifically, last week the Committee voted to renew for five years the 
Iran-Lybia Sanctions Act. That Act (ILSA) penalizes foreign firms for 
investing in the Iranian and Libyan energy sector to deprive those 
governments of revenues for their programs of weapons of mass 
destruction and terrorism.
  We believe that reauthorizing the ILSA Act pays tribute to the 
memories of the brave men and women who died five years ago today and 
serves as a warning to those who attack U.S. servicemen and women. The 
memories of these brave men and women will always be with us.
  Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to fully support this measure.
  Mr. WELDON of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. 
Con. Res. 161. It is fitting that we take a some time today on the 
floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to remember those who paid 
the highest price of freedom.
  Five years ago, on June 25, 1996, the lives of five families in my 
congressional district were irrevocably changed by a horrendous act of 
terrorism. Five service members from Patrick Air Force Base were taken 
from their loved ones and from our community.
  It has been a long five years for the loved ones of these men. I hope 
they can find solace in the fact that last week a federal grand jury 
indicted fourteen people suspected of carrying out this terrible act. I 
will do all that I can do to help bring those who committed this 
vicious act to justice. I call upon the U.S. Department of Justice to 
do all that they can to place a high priority on this.
  These five men were:
  Capt. Christopher J. Adams, he was engaged to be married.
  Master Sgt. Michael Heiser, who was also engaged.
  Capt. Leland ``Tim'' Haun, was a husband and stepfather.
  Staff Sgt. Kevin Johnson, turned 36 on the day of the blast, and was 
the father of three.
  Airman 1st Class Justin Wood, was only 20 years old and was working 
on his college degree.
  H. Con. Res. 161 resolves that: ``The Congress, on the occasion of 
the fifth anniversary of the terrorist bombing of the Khobar Towers in 
Saudi Arabia, recognizes the sacrifice of the 19 servicemen who died in 
that attack, and calls upon every American to pause and pay

[[Page H3491]]

tribute to these brave soldiers and to remain ever vigilant for signs 
which may warn of a terrorist attack.''
  Known to us as Capt. Adams, Master Sgt. Heiser, Capt. Haun, Staff 
Sgt. Johnson, Airman 1st Class Wood, and to their families and loved 
ones as Christopher, Mike, Tim, Kevin, and Justin, these men gave their 
lives in defense of peace and liberty. They must not be forgotten. Our 
nation owes them a debt of gratitude.
  I salute each of you.
  Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Madam Speaker, I come before the House today on the 
fifth anniversary of the tragic Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia.
  Shortly before 10 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25, 1996, a van parked 
outside the Khobar Towers military complex in Saudi Arabia exploded. 
The van held an estimated 2,000 pounds of explosives, which killed 19 
American servicemen and injured approximately 500 other people.
  Of the 19 servicemen killed, 12 were member of Eglin Air Force Base's 
33rd Fighter Wing, known as the Nomads, located in my district. The 
Nomads were on a 90-day rotation as part of Operation Southern Watch, a 
United Nations mission to keep Iraq's military from invading or 
harassing neighboring countries. Those killed were scheduled to return 
to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, the day following the attack.
  Today, many family members of the victims will attend a memorial 
service at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
  The recent arrest of 13 Saudi Arabians and one Lebanese citizen sends 
a clear message to the world that America does not tolerate terrorism. 
The families who lost their loved ones in this terrible crime deserve 
to see justice and those responsible prosecuted to the fullest extent 
of the law.
  Madam Speaker, on the fifth anniversary of this tragic event, I urge 
the Congress to continue its efforts to see that justice does prevail 
for the parents and families of the 19 servicemen who lost their lives 
on June 25, 1996, in a terrorist attack on Saudi Arabia. They deserve 
nothing less.
  Mr. McHUGH. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 161, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mrs. TAUSCHER. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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