Herb Kohl: “I rise today to support S. 1510, the anti-terrorism bill. To more effectively fight terrorism and those who perpetrate…”

“I rise today to support S. 1510, the anti-terrorism bill. To more effectively fight terrorism and those who perpetrate it, we need to improve law enforcement's intelligence gathering capability and enhance their ability to investigate and prosecute suspected terrorists. This measure does both. But let's also be realistic about the act. It will not solve all of law enforcement's problems in combating terrorism nor will it severely compromise our civil liberties. The truth lies somewhere in between. The strongest proponents of the legislation argue that the bill primarily consists of long overdue updates of current laws, updates necessary because technology advances have allowed criminals and terrorists to stay a step, or two, ahead of law enforcement. Updates are necessary because the inability of Federal authorities to share information on suspected terrorists hampers criminal investigations. Updates are necessary because the penalties and limitations periods governing many terrorist crimes have been woefully inadequate. All of this is true. And for these reasons, I support the bill. But, we shouldn't be lulled into thinking that this measure will solve our problems. Indeed, I asked the Attorney General whether the new powers granted in this bill could have prevented the events of September 11. He answered me honestly, saying that he could not make that guarantee.”