    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 44 (Monday, November 5, 2001)]
    [Pages 1562-1563]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    The President's Radio Address

    October 27, 2001

        Good morning. I'm pleased to report that our Nation continues to
    take important steps in the war against terrorism. Next week, the House
    of Representatives will be voting on an airline security bill that
    Congressman Don Young has introduced.
        It was modeled after proposals I made last month. Under the Young
    bill, the Federal Government will assume complete control of airport
    security and screening. It also greatly expands the Federal air marshal
    program and provides substantial new funding for secure cockpits and
    other security measures aboard airplanes.
        There's a critical difference between the Young bill and the bill
    the Senate passed a few weeks ago. My approach gives the Government the
    flexibility it needs to assemble a skilled and disciplined screening
    workforce.
        The Senate bill mandates that all passenger and baggage screeners be
    Federal workers in all circumstances. While that bill is well-intended,
    the best approach will be one that provides flexibility. The Young bill
    allows the use of private contractors operating under tough Federal
    standards on background checks with Federal law enforcement at every
    gate to promote better screening services, and ensure that security
    managers can move aggressively to discipline or fire employees who fail
    to live up to the rigorous new standards.
        The Young bill is the quickest, most effective way to increase
    aviation security. And time is of the essence. I urge Congress to move
    quickly on this vital legislation, as it did this week in passing new
    legislation to fight terrorism.
        The bill I signed yesterday gives intelligence and law enforcement
    officials additional tools they need to hunt and capture and punish
    terrorists. Our enemies operate by highly sophisticated methods and
    technologies, using the latest means of communication and the new weapon
    of bioterrorism.
        When earlier laws were written, some of these methods did not even
    exist. The new law recognizes the realities and dangers posed by the
    modern terrorist. It will help us to prosecute terrorist organizations--
    and also to detect them before they strike.
        Since 11th of September, the men and women of our intelligence and
    law enforcement agencies have been relentless in their work. In return
    for their exceptional service, these public servants deserve our full
    support, and every means of help that we can provide. Intelligence
    operations and criminal investigations have often had to operate on
    separate tracks. The new law will make it easier for all agencies to
    share vital information about terrorist activity.
        Surveillance of communications is another essential method of law
    enforcement. But for a long time, we have been working under laws
    written in the era of rotary telephones. Under the new law, officials
    may conduct court-ordered surveillance of all modern forms of
    communication used by terrorists.
        In recent years, some investigations have been hindered by limits on
    the reach of Federal search warrants. Officials had to get a new warrant
    for each new district and investigation covered, even when involving the
    same suspect. As of now, warrants are valid across districts and across
    State lines.
        And finally, the new legislation greatly enhances the penalties that
    will fall on terrorists or anyone who helps them. Federal law now
    provides harsh penalties for possession of biological weapons. It is now
    easier to seize the assets of groups or individuals involved in
    terrorism. Government has greater ability to deport known terrorists and
    their supporters. And the statute of limitations on terrorist acts have
    been lengthened, along with prison sentences, for terrorist crimes.
        These measures were enacted with broad support in both parties. They
    reflect a firm resolve to uphold and respect the civil liberties
    guaranteed by the Constitution, while dealing swiftly and severely with
    terrorists.
        Now comes the duty of carrying them out. And I can assure all
    Americans that these important new statutes will be enforced to the
    full.

    [[Page 1563]]

        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 11:50 a.m. on October 26 in the
    Cabinet Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on October
    27. The transcript was made available by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on October 26 but was embargoed for release until the
    broadcast. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish
    language transcript of this address.