Louise Slaughter: “the United States suffered a terrible loss with the recent bombing in Centennial Park in Atlanta. We lost our innocence…”

“the United States suffered a terrible loss with the recent bombing in Centennial Park in Atlanta. We lost our innocence and our faith it will never happen here. It is becoming increasingly probable that black or smokeless powder was involved in the construction of this deadly pipe bomb. I have introduced legislation during the last two Congresses that would help identify the perpetrators of this act. The Bombing Prevention Act, H.R. 43, would avert future deaths, save lives, and prevent families and our Nation as a whole from going through the anguish that terrorism leaves in its wake. Specifically, my bill would require every person who purchases explosives including more than five pounds of black or smokeless powder to hold a Federal permit. They would have to provide their name and address to the vendor, and indicate the purpose of the explosives purchase. This information would be invaluable to law enforcement officials investigating terrorism. Under current law, any purchase of less than 50 pounds of black powder is exempt from Federal oversight. This is crazy--50 pounds can unleash dreadful destruction. It would be a crime in itself if this Congress were to adjourn on Friday and go home without addressing this issue that has terrified every American from sea to shining sea.”