APPENDIX

APPENDIX 1.-STATEMENT OF HON. STEVE CHABOT, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF OHIO

Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you for organizing these hearings to assess our domestic security needs in light of the tragic events in Oklahoma.

Like the other members of this body, I spent the time since the bombing back in my district talking with the people I represent. In Cincinnati, of course, as across the country, there was shock and outrage that anyone could have perpetrated such an unspeakably evil act. People want justice -- swift justice, as the President has said -- for the criminals who committed these murders, and people want a reasoned examination of what additional steps can be taken to combat terrorism and enhance public safety.

But I was struck, too, by the wisdom of the men and women throughout Cincinnati who, almost to a person, warned against sacrificing our liberties in pursuit of some impossible guarantee of absolute security. In responding to this terrible episode, they said, we ought to see where safety precautions can be improved. We must be realistic. We must be resolute. But we

must not overreact.

The individual liberties that we enjoy as Americans, and the limitations on government that our system provides, were won at a real cost. They have been preserved by sacrifice and determination. And it is appropriate, I think, that we take this moment of tragedy to reaffirm our commitment to protect the liberties that define us as Americans.

Political realities being what they are, and history, quite frankly, being something of a guide for us. I think that the impulse of the people of Cincinnati to guard against knee-jerk expansion of governmental powers is sensible and appropriate. And I must say that I am pleased that even here in our nation's capital, far from my home town -- cool heads do seem to be prevailing

Some of the more questionable responses hinted at earlier by some in the Administration seem, fortunately, to have been reconsidered. And some of the proposals being made seem to be simple common sense; we can take some reasonable steps. I do have concerns about some of the Clinton Administration requests, however, and I will review carefully all the legislative proposals that are presented to us.

And, in light of some of the less well considered comments that we have heard in recent days. I will restate what we all should know: Political opportunism must not be permitted to overwhelm judgment.

One final note, Mr. Chairman. In light of what some people now are speculating may have been a politically inspired bombing (and it's far too early for us to know that), I do want to voice a fervent belief that I know all of us in this room share. This system works. It may work

awkwardly, and change may be slow, but the system does work. It works because we have the freedom to speak out, to criticize, and to propose political action within the democratic process. And those of us Americans who engage in the debate, who seek to argue and persuade through the power of ideas and not the force of arms, reaffirm our belief in that democratic system through our very participation in it. It is one of the truly great strengths of our nation that no governmental power can dampen that participation.

In fact, our First Amendment rights, our structural limitations on government power, and our freedom to work for real political reform largely explain why acts of domestic terrorism have been so rare in our history. I hope we can take reasoned measures to make them even more rare, and I look forward to today's testimony.

APPENDIX 2.-STATEMENT OF HON. ED BRYANT, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF TENNESSEE

Thank you Mr. Chairman,

As we have all seen, the headlines have caught up with our work in this committee. Before the April recess, we held a hearing on anti-terrorist legislation as part of the careful consideration of Mr. Schumer's proposed legislation, and I think we should continue in our efforts. I believe that the tragic and horrible events in Oklahoma emphasize the need to reaccess our stand against the terrorist threat.

Mr. Chairman, terrorism - both international and domestic should not be tolerated at anytime, and I hope, as much as you, to see the government take effective measures to ensure that our society remains safe and free. Those measures should strike at the callous terrorists and other criminals that will always threaten the security of the public, but they should not jeopardize the rights and freedoms enjoyed by everyone.

Since our current laws used to undermine terrorist activity took effect, the technology available to both terrorists and to law enforcement has advanced greatly. This significantly raises the stakes - both in terms of how criminals can hurt us and how the government can monitor illegal activity.

I'm glad that the committee has taken up this matter, but I regret that the recent incidents, such as the tragedy in Oklahoma City and the continuing activity of the Unabomber, have inflamed opinions and fears about proposed anti-terrorism legislation. I firmly believe that the attention that has been focused on this issue should not interfere with our deliberations on the very important issues involved. I would hate to see this committee or this Congress rush into any rash actions in an attempt to satisfy our desire to punish those responsibile. Mr. Chairman, I do believe that this committee has the responsibility to see that any antiterrorism legislation passed out of this committee strongly and effectively combats the possibility of terrorist attacks against American citizens, but that it be tempered with our own historic concerns for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Mr. Chairman, it is of the utmost importance to balance our role in protecting society with the continuation of the freedoms we enjoy. I do not want to see the federal government overstep its constitutional authority and infringe on the rights of the citizens. Not only does it abuse the trust we place in our government, it represents a victory for terrorists. We cannot afford to alter our system out of fear - the fear terrorists want to use against us. In no way should we let a few violent factions dictate to us the terms under which Americans have come to live.

We still need to find the answers behind terrorist activity within American borders, and I would like to commend the law enforcement officials, on both the federal and local level, who have done a tremendous job

of tracking down those responsible for this tragedy. I hope that justice will be swift and certain.

I am open to the suggestions of our distinguished panel and very willing to hear their views as to how we in Congress can help keep America secure, but I would remind them, as well as those calling for legislative action, that we must not only be equipped to head off threats to our peace of mind, but we should remember always how we could lose the benefits of our free and open society if we let terrorists dictate our lifestyles through fear.