[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 28 (Thursday, March 10, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H1326-H1327]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 EXPRESSING SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILIES OF VICTIMS OF THE 
               MADRID TERRORIST ATTACKS OF MARCH 11, 2004

  Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee 
on International Relations be discharged from further consideration of 
the resolution (H. Res. 99) expressing the condolences of the House of 
Representatives to the families of the victims of the terrorist attacks 
in Madrid that occurred one year ago, on March 11, 2004, and expressing 
deepest sympathy to the individuals injured in those attacks and to the 
people of the Kingdom of Spain, and ask for its immediate consideration 
in the House.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Michigan?
  There was no objection.
  The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:

                               H. Res. 99

       Whereas on March 11, 2004, 10 coordinated bomb explosions 
     at the Atocha, Santa Eugenia, and El Pozo del Tio Raimundo 
     stations and aboard a commuter train occurred during the 
     morning rush hour in Madrid;
       Whereas 191 individuals were killed and more than 1,800 
     individuals were wounded in these horrific terrorist attacks;
       Whereas these terrorist bombing attacks were the deadliest 
     in Europe since the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 in 1988;
       Whereas these attacks constitute the worst acts of 
     terrorism ever experienced in Spanish history;
       Whereas Spain's investigation into the Basque Fatherland 
     and Liberty terrorist organization, also known as Euzkadi Ta 
     Askatasuma (ETA), has made progress in the Global War on 
     Terrorism;
       Whereas the leaders of Spain have worked vigorously to 
     identify and capture terrorists who attempt to find sanctuary 
     in Spain;
       Whereas the atrocious acts of violence committed on March 
     11, 2004, in Madrid show yet again that terrorism knows no 
     borders;
       Whereas the United States and Spain are committed to 
     continuing to strengthen the relationship between the United 
     States and Europe;
       Whereas Spain is an advocate for the ideals of freedom and 
     democracy; and
       Whereas the people of the United States stand together with 
     the people of Spain to remember those individuals who lost 
     their lives on the one year anniversary of these horrific 
     terrorist attacks: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
       (1) expresses its condolences to the families of the 
     individuals killed in the terrorist bombing attacks in Madrid 
     that occurred on March 11, 2004, and expresses its deepest 
     sympathy to the individuals injured in such attacks and to 
     the people of the Kingdom of Spain on the one year 
     anniversary of the attacks;
       (2) condemns the terrorist attacks that occurred on March 
     11, 2004, and all acts of terror worldwide; and
       (3) expresses its solidarity with Spain and all other 
     countries that have been attacked during the Global War on 
     Terrorism.

  Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, this Friday marks the one-year anniversary 
of the tragic train bombing in Madrid, Spain.
  The resolution I have introduced with Mr. McCotter expresses the 
condolences of the House of Representatives to the families of 
individuals killed in the bombing. It also expresses solidarity with 
Spain and all other countries that have been attacked during the Global 
War on Terrorism.
  These bombings were the worst acts of terrorism ever experienced in 
Spanish history--killing 191 individuals and injuring almost 2,000. 
They also marked the deadliest terrorist attacks in Europe since the 
1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103.
  Much like our own September 11th, the March 11 attacks were senseless 
acts of violence perpetrated by terrorists against innocent civilians. 
This was nothing more than an attack against freedom and democracy--
perpetrated by cowards bent on turmoil and destruction.
  While we have had our differences with the government of Spain over 
the last year--it is important that Congress reiterate its support with 
the people of Spain. The war on terrorism is a global conflict that 
knows no boundaries and does not distinguish between civilian and 
soldier. We have experienced its destruction first-hand, and we must 
stand in unity with others who have also felt this tragedy.
  The relationship between the United States and Spain remains strong, 
and Spain remains an important ally in the war on terrorism. The Madrid 
bombings were a direct attack on this peace-loving government and its 
democratic principles.
  I am deeply saddened by this senseless loss of life, and join my 
colleagues in expressing our most sincere condolences to the victims, 
their families and the people and government of the Kingdom of Spain.
  The resolution was agreed to.


             Amendment To Preamble Offered By Mr. McCotter

  Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, I offer an amendment to the preamble.
  The Clerk read as follows:

       Amendment to preamble offered by Mr. McCotter:
       Strike the preamble and insert in lieu thereof:
       Whereas on March 11, 2004, terrorists affiliated with Al 
     Qaeda coordinated 10 bomb explosions at the Atocha, Santa 
     Eugenia, and

[[Page H1327]]

     El Pozo del Tio Raimundo stations and aboard a commuter train 
     during the morning rush hour in Madrid;
       Whereas 191 individuals were killed and more than 1,800 
     individuals were wounded in these horrific terrorist attacks;
       Whereas these terrorist bombing attacks were the deadliest 
     in Europe since the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 in 1988;
       Whereas these attacks constitute the worst acts of 
     terrorism ever experienced in Spanish history;
       Whereas Spain's investigation into the Basque Fatherland 
     and Liberty terrorist organization, also known as Euzkadi Ta 
     Askatasuma (ETA), has made progress in the Global War on 
     Terrorism;
       Whereas the leaders of Spain have worked vigorously to 
     identify and capture terrorists who attempt to find sanctuary 
     in Spain;
       Whereas the Club de Madrid, an independent organization of 
     democratic former heads of state and government dedicated to 
     strengthening democracy around the world, is convening an 
     international summit on democracy, terrorism, and security 
     under the High Patronage of His Majesty the King of Spain to 
     commemorate the one year anniversary of the terrorist attacks 
     in Madrid;
       Whereas the atrocious acts of violence committed on March 
     11, 2004, in Madrid show yet again that terrorism knows no 
     borders;
       Whereas the United States and Spain are committed to 
     continuing to strengthen the relationship between the United 
     States and Europe;
       Whereas Spain is an advocate for the ideals of freedom and 
     democracy; and
       Whereas the people of the United States stand together with 
     the people of Spain to remember those individuals who lost 
     their lives on the one year anniversary of these horrific 
     terrorist attacks: Now, therefore, be it

  The amendment to the preamble was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________