[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 117 (Tuesday, September 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1590]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    FOSELLA-WATT MOTION TO INSTRUCT

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 17, 2002

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, as we continue our war on 
terrorism, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to decimate the 
terrorists that are threatening our very existence and have singled out 
Americans who represent freedom and democracy, so cherished by our 
citizens.
  I strongly support the Fossella-Watt motion to instruct which will 
finally allow American victims of international terrorism to receive 
compensation from blocked assets--judgments they were already awarded.
  Last week, we commemorated the anniversary of 9/11. A day that marked 
the most devastating acts ever committed on U.S. soil.
  There may not be another Member of Congress who lost more 
constituents in the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center 
than I did.
  I knew countless number of victims and their families and one year 
later, the pain and hardship go on. No amount of money can bring back 
our loved ones, but this motion to instruct can work to prevent future 
tragic acts of terrorism.
  It paralyzes the financial resources of those terrorist organizations 
and increases our ability to go after the sources of funding for these 
organizations and cells. It sends a message to terrorists that we will 
not stand for the murder of innocent Americans. And, those who target 
Americans will be punished.
  The United States must use every tool in its arsenal--military, 
diplomatic, and legal--to protect Americans and other innocent parties 
against these random acts of terror.
  The Fossella-Watt motion to instruct is a tool to weaken the 
terrorist grip.
  I urge my colleagues to retain this provision in the final version of 
the Terrorism Insurance bill.

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