Richard K. Armey: “Terrorism is an ugly thing. In a Nation like ours that has prided itself in its ability to, while protecting the…”

“Terrorism is an ugly thing. In a Nation like ours that has prided itself in its ability to, while protecting the liberties of its citizens, also secure their physical safety, shocking events, frightening events, heartbreaking events have taken place in our Nation's land. We have been engaged in serious and extensive discussions, Members of the House, Members of the other body, and members of the administration searching for some instrument that we could bring to the floor on which we could act that could, on one hand, reassure the American people that, yes, this Congress and this administration and this Government has a resolve; we have a resolve, Mr. and Mrs. America, to protect and secure the safety of you and your children. We have a resolve in this great land to protect our liberties. We will not take such action in a sense of emergency or panic that infringes against the liberties so precious to these American citizens in order to meet these threats that are so insidious in their nature.”