Jerry Nadler: “I reluctantly rise in support of this conference report because despite some defects which, quite frankly, could easily…”

“I reluctantly rise in support of this conference report because despite some defects which, quite frankly, could easily have been fixed without compromising the fight against terrorism, it will give law enforcement important and overdue tools in the fight against international terrorism. Thankfully, the conferees put back many important anti-terrorist provisions that were stripped out by a majority under the sway of the extreme right. I commend the conferees for their vision and courage. This bill will give law enforcement the ability to crack down on fundraising by international terrorist organizations in the United States. No act of terrorism, anywhere in the world, should have a return address in the United States. It will allow victims of terrorism to receive restitution from their victimizers whether the terrorists are governments or organizations. It will add new criminal jurisdiction and penalties for terrorist acts so that law enforcement can reach the terrorists wherever they are. It will give our Government an enhanced ability to deport alien terrorists. It will enable law enforcement to battle terrorists who use chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons or who use plastic or other more conventional explosives. It provides new resources to those law enforcement agencies charged with fighting terrorism.”