[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 32 (Thursday, February 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E314]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         ON COMBATTING TERRORISM AND PROTECTING CIVIL LIBERTIES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BARNEY FRANK

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 27, 2003

  Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, at its recently concluded 
meeting, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs adopted a number of 
resolutions. One very important one was the resolution ``On Combating 
Terrorism and Protecting Civil Liberties.'' The very title of this 
resolution indicates its importance--that is, the JCPA recognizes that 
it is important for us to be fully mindful of civil liberties as we 
adopt the measures needed to protect ourselves against terrorism.
  As a Member of Congress, and also as a Jewish American, I welcome the 
balanced and thoughtful resolution, coming particularly as it does from 
a group which ranks high on the target list of those who engage in 
terrorism. In this context, when the JCPA notes that it is 
``particularly concerned about the treatment of United States citizens, 
including questions of indefinite detentions, denial of legal counsel 
and trials that are closed in their entirety,'' its members provide an 
excellent example of the approach that all of us should be taking in 
this critical time--namely, protecting ourselves against violence 
without infringing on our constitutionally protected freedom and 
liberties.

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