[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 34 (Wednesday, February 28, 2007)]
[House]
[Page H1981]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  VICTIMS OF USS ``COLE'' AND JUSTICE

  (Mr. POE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, as the USS Cole patrolled the seas around 
Yemen, a boat piloted by al-Qaeda international criminals drew near to 
the Navy destroyer and bombed the ship. On that day in the year 2000, 
17 American soldiers were murdered.
  The families of these 17 soldiers are now suing the Sudanese 
Government for damages. Why? Because the Sudan funded and provided 
training for these terrorists. The Sudanese Government is outraged that 
they should be held financially responsible. However, a U.S. Federal 
court judge disagrees and is allowing the victims' families to continue 
their pursuit.
  Sudan is now asking the U.S. Supreme Court to dismiss this unique 
lawsuit. But the Supreme Court must allow this case to proceed and the 
victims to obtain justice. Sudan fed the terrorist cells that attacked 
the Cole. They gave them safe harbor and let them exist.
  U.S. citizens murdered by international terrorists overseas must be 
able to seek damages from the country responsible for the crime. The 
message to these nations that sponsor terror, you too will pay for your 
sins when you sponsor international outlaws.
  And that's just the way it is.

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