Political Quotes

“From that report: Seven to 10 million tourists visit the Capitol complex annually. In 1997, the Capitol hosted more than 2,000 American and foreign dignitaries, and was the site for nearly 300 scheduled demonstrations. In addition to lawmakers and their staff, a sizable number of journalists, lobbyists, and service personnel also work within the Capitol complex. The challenge of achieving a secure environment for the Capitol complex, while still maintaining an atmosphere of openness, has become increasingly difficult in this century. Both the potential threats to the Capitol and the number of people using the area every day have grown dramatically. Incidents such as the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center and the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal building in Oklahoma City, as well as international confrontations like Desert Storm in 1991, have prompted increases in the level of security afforded the Capitol complex. This report talks about the legislative proposals. I refer to one of the last paragraphs. S. 1508 [a bill that I drafted and put in with the distinguished majority and minority leaders several months ago] identifies the primary purpose of the center as the enhancement of Capitol security.”