William F. Smith: “Mr. Speaker, the African National Congress has played a significant role in history. Nelson Mandela and the ANC for many…”

“Mr. Speaker, the African National Congress has played a significant role in history. Nelson Mandela and the ANC for many years fought against the unjust apartheid system in South Africa. Through a largely peaceful transfer of power, apartheid is a thing of the past and South Africa now has a representative democratic government. Many ANC officials are now, in fact, officials of South Africa's government. South Africa provides hope that genuine reconciliation between historically opposed groups can, in fact, be achieved. However, real terrorist acts were committed as part of the struggle against apartheid. There were deadly bombings of civilians. There were so-called 'necklacings' in which car tires were put around persons' necks and set on fire. I am pleased that the bill's sponsors, Mr. Berman, Ms. Lofgren and Chairman Conyers, were willing to ensure that this bill will provide appropriate relief for the African National Congress without excusing the perpetrators of terrorist or criminal acts.”