Orrin Hatch: “just short of a year ago, this country was rocked by an attack on the Alfred Murrah Federal building in Oklahoma City…”

“just short of a year ago, this country was rocked by an attack on the Alfred Murrah Federal building in Oklahoma City, OK. In the wake of that horrible, tragedy, this body took up antiterrorism legislation. I fought for the inclusion of meaningful habeas corpus reform legislation in the Senate bill over the initial hesitation of President Clinton. The House bill contains identical language. We will shortly be delivering a conference report to the President for his signature. At long last, after well over a decade of effort, we are about to curb these endless, frivolous appeals of death sentences. I might add that this is one of the most important criminal law changes in this country's history, and it is about time we get it on track. To be sure, there are many other important antiterrorism measures which will be included in the final terrorism bill including increased penalties, antiterrorism aid to foreign nations, plastic explosives tagging requirements, and important law enforcement enhancements. But let us make no mistake about it--habeas corpus reform is the most important provision in the terrorism bill. In fact, it is the heart and soul of this bill. It is the only thing in the Senate antiterrorism bill that directly affected the Oklahoma bombing. If the perpetrators of that heinous act are convicted, they will be unable to use frivolous habeas petitions to prevent the imposition of their justly deserved punishment.”