[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 5493]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              MAIL SAFETY

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, we deal with a lot of controversial things. 
That is the way it has always been here. We deal with controversial 
issues that elicit passionate responses, including the immigration 
proposal I just outlined and the antiviolence legislation I talked 
about earlier. We try to deal with these issues thoughtfully and with 
respect. Those who serve and work in the Senate do so out of a sense of 
patriotism and a love of country.
  I disagree with a number of my Republican Senators. Jeff Sessions and 
I--I do not think we have ever voted on anything the same way, but I 
have tremendous respect for him as a person. He does what he believes 
is right. His colleague from Alabama, Richard Shelby, is one of my dear 
friends. He and I do not vote much alike, but our relationship is one 
of respect and admiration for each other. That is what we have to do in 
this body.
  I never question the patriotism or love of country of any Senator 
because if I did, I would be wrong. So it was deeply disturbing that an 
anonymous individual would attempt to send deadly poison to Senate 
offices as well as the White House. It appears that with the swift 
action of the Capitol Police and Federal law enforcement officials, the 
suspect in these cowardly, anonymous attacks has been apprehended. I 
hope he will be brought to justice very soon.
  We should all understand that incident does not appear in any way to 
be related to the tragedy in Boston. Nevertheless, it is a reminder to 
the Senate community and to all Americans to remain vigilant during 
these unsettling times. It is also a reminder that Senate offices 
should continue to follow the mail policies that are in place for their 
safety in this investigation.
  Fortunately, the system in place to protect the Senate community 
worked. Maybe people say: Well, it is not good enough. It is good. I 
remember what happened when we had anthrax with Senator Daschle and 
Senator Leahy in previous years. So the system that is in place to 
protect the Senate community has worked. That is good. These suspicious 
letters were found and intercepted before they reached the Capitol.
  I applaud the postal employees and law enforcement officials who 
detected and neutralized this threat. I commend the Senate Sergeant at 
Arms, Chief Gainer, and the Capitol Police for their diligent work to 
keep the Senate community safe. I rest easier knowing the safety of 
everyone who works and visits the Capitol is their first priority. I 
know that to be the case.
  I apologize to my friend the Republican leader for talking longer 
than I usually do.

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