Herb Kohl: “I rise today in support of anti-terrorism legislation. After all, one of the principal purposes of any government is to…”

“I rise today in support of anti-terrorism legislation. After all, one of the principal purposes of any government is to ensure the safety of its citizens. And the destruction of the Oklahoma City Federal building and the bombing of the World Trade Center indicate that we need to do a better job in this area. But I continue to have concerns about some provisions of S. 735, just as I did about the President's proposal. In addition, I am concerned that the bill under consideration may divide the Senate at a time when all public officials should be unified in the fight against violence and terror. So while I am inclined to support this measure, I am also inclined to support amendments that would improve it. For many years, we have watched with growing concern as terrorist violence has escalated--and reached closer to home. We can no longer ignore the fact that post-cold-war violence knows no borders, and respects no distinction between soldiers and innocents. Mr. President, fundraising for international terrorism now has roots in America--and it has even reached the Midwest.”