Political Quotes

“the day before yesterday, this Senate completed a vitally important task. A part of that task, an antiterrorism bill, was brought into being as a consequence of the tragedy 1 year ago in Oklahoma City. Another part of that accomplishment is the result of the work of many Members on this side of the aisle, some on the other side of the aisle, extending over a period of well over a decade to reform and make more just our criminal justice system. There are those among our constituents, a number of whom have called my office, who oppose the antiterrorism bill simply because they did not wish any enhancement of the criminal justice powers of Federal agencies. I believe their apprehension to be misdirected. I am convinced that to face the possibility of terrorism, both foreign and domestic, a possibility which has clearly been a terrible reality both in Oklahoma City and in New York City, that some enhancement of Federal law enforcement was, in fact, necessary, and, as a consequence, I supported the antiterrorism elements in that bill. At the same time, Mr. President, I am convinced that the reform in what is known technically as habeas corpus will be of a more profound and a more positive nature in connection with our criminal justice system.”