Rick Allen: “I rise to discuss a bill we just passed, S. 1858. I thank my colleagues for their support: Senator Kerry, Senator…”

“I rise to discuss a bill we just passed, S. 1858. I thank my colleagues for their support: Senator Kerry, Senator Nickles, Senator Kennedy, and Senators Warner, Hatch, and Clinton. Particularly, I thank Senator Nickles for he was of great help in getting this measure passed. S. 1858 deals with the upcoming trial of Zacarias Moussaoui. Moussaoui has been charged in a six-count indictment with undertaking "the same preparation for murder" as the perpetrators of the September 11 attacks, but his alleged participation had been thwarted by his arrest the previous month in Minnesota. Now this measure is one that is helpful to all of us in that he is the only suspect with any direct connection with the most vile and horrific terrorist attack in our history. There will be substantial interest in the trial of Mr. Moussaoui on the part of those who have been left behind, especially the families and loved ones of thousands who were killed on that dreadful day. By some estimates, there are as many as 10,000 or 15,000 victims who may have an interest in viewing this historic legal proceeding that will take place in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in Alexandria. The current policy of the Federal Judicial Conference does not permit the televising of court proceedings. I am supporting legislation that would give Federal judges such discretion.”