[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 15]
[House]
[Pages 22351-22352]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                TERRORIST ATTACK ON THE U.S.S. ``COLE''

  (Mr. SKELTON asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, earlier today the U.S.S. Cole, an Aegis 
destroyer, while being refueled in the enemy port of Aden was attacked 
by suicide terrorists. There were five sailors who lost their lives. 
One is missing. Approximately 30 have been injured.
  This is the latest crime to be added to the list of deadly terrorist 
attacks against our fellow countrymen. It is terrible that anyone would 
sink so low.

[[Page 22352]]

I have great admiration for the professionalism of the crew of the 
U.S.S. Cole, tending to the wounded and taking care of their ship.
  We deplore the loss of American lives and my deepest sympathies and 
prayers go to the families and friends of the victims of this cowardly 
attack. Serving in the military is a dangerous profession. I want to 
recognize the selfless dedication of the American military personnel 
who risk personal safety in the service of our country.
  I want to be clear. The U.S. Government should seek retribution 
against those who are responsible for this attack against U.S. military 
personnel. We should do all that we can to ensure that our service 
members and citizens are protected in the future.
  It is impossible to predict with certainty where or when terrorists 
will strike. Today's events, however, are a terrible reminder that we 
must take the threat of terrorism seriously.

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