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“HONORING 19 U.S. SERVICEMEN WHO DIED IN TERRORIST BOMBING OF KHOBAR TOWERS IN SAUDI ARABIA ON JUNE 25, 1996” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H3488-H3491 on June 25, 2001.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING 19 U.S. SERVICEMEN WHO DIED IN TERRORIST BOMBING OF KHOBAR
TOWERS IN SAUDI ARABIA ON JUNE 25, 1996
Mr. McHUGH. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 161) honoring the 19 United States servicemen who died in the terrorist bombing of the Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia on June 25, 1996, as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Con. Res. 161
Whereas June 25, 2001, marks the fifth anniversary of the tragic terrorist bombing of the Khobar Towers military housing compound in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia;
Whereas 19 members of the United States Air Force were killed in the bombing and 250 other United States military personnel were wounded;
Whereas the 19 airmen killed while serving their country were Captain Christopher Adams, Sergeant Daniel Cafourek, Sergeant Millard Campbell, Senior Airman Earl Cartrette, Jr., Sergeant Patrick Fennig, Captain Leland Haun, Sergeant Michael Heiser, Sergeant Kevin Johnson, Sergeant Ronald King, Sergeant Kendall Kitson, Jr., Airman First Class Christopher Lester, Airman First Class Brent Marthaler, Airman First Class Brian McVeigh, Airman First Class Peter Morgera, Sergeant Thanh Nguyen, Airman First Class Joseph Rimkus, Senior Airman Jeremy Taylor, Airman First Class Justin Wood, and Airman First Class Joshua Woody;
Whereas the families of these brave airmen still mourn their loss;
Whereas on September 24, 1996, the House of Representatives agreed to House Concurrent Resolution 200 of the 104th Congress honoring the victims of that terrorist bombing;
Whereas those guilty of the attack have yet to be brought to justice; and
Whereas terrorism remains a constant and ever-present threat around the world: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That, on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the terrorist bombing of the Khobar Towers military housing compound in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, the Congress--
(1) recognizes the sacrifice of the 19 members of the United States Air Force who died in that attack; and
(2) calls upon every American to pause and pay tribute to those brave airmen.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh) and the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Tauscher) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh).
General Leave
Mr. McHUGH. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Con. Res. 161.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from New York?
There was no objection.
Mr. McHUGH. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution introduced by the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Isakson) honoring the commitment and sacrifice of the 19 servicemembers killed 5 years ago today on June 25, 1996, when a terrorist truck bomb demolished the Khobar Towers barracks in Saudi Arabia in which they were stationed.
This resolution should remind us that these brave Americans then, as well as those serving in uniform today, willingly risked their lives to defend United States' interests and the freedom and the values that we all enjoy as citizens. Such commitment imposes on the rest of us an obligation to ensure that we do not break faith with those who serve and that we respond to such commitment by resolving to provide the resources necessary for our military forces to successfully carry out the missions assigned to them.
For the families and loved ones of those who died on this day, this resolution signals our continued understanding of the pain and loss that they feel and that the sacrifices made by these 19 men and women, some of America's best and brightest, will not, cannot, be forgotten.
Finally, we as a Nation must understand that terrorism directed at Americans will continue for the foreseeable future. Five years ago, terrorists killed 19 Americans residing in Khobar Towers; 8 months ago, they killed 17 aboard the U.S.S. Cole. In the face of this terrorism, we must be vigilant to prevent or reduce the probability of it occurring, and relentless in the pursuit of those who perpetrate such horrendous actions.
While I am pleased that Federal indictments have been issued in connection with the Khobar Towers attack, I and many others join me in a mutual concern that not all of those responsible for the attack have yet been identified. America should not rest until all the perpetrators have been brought to justice.
Madam Speaker, I want to pay particular tribute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Isakson) for his work in putting together and advancing this worthy resolution. His commitment, I know, is shared by many in this House, certainly many on the Subcommittee on Military Personnel; the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Tauscher), the ranking member; the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Snyder); and so many others on both sides of the aisle who recognize that this sort of resolution knows no party. Rather, in joint celebration of lives that were cut off too short and in solemn resolution of a recognition of the loss of those lives, we join together.
Madam Speaker, I would certainly urge all of my colleagues in the House today to join me in supporting this very, very worthy piece of action.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mrs. TAUSCHER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I would also like to join my esteemed colleague from New York (Mr. McHugh), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, in commending my colleague, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Isakson), for his thoughtfulness today.
This is a terrible day, a terrible anniversary, because 5 years ago today on June 25, 1996, a truck bomb exploded outside the fence around the Khobar Towers compound in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. The bomb, estimated at more than 3,000 pounds, detonated about 85 feet from a residential unit housing U.S. troops, killing 19 American servicemen and wounded hundreds of other people.
The force of the explosion destroyed or damaged six high-rise apartment buildings and shattered windows throughout the residential compound. What is more, this attack demolished the illusion that American military posted in Saudi Arabia were immune from the terrorism that has plagued the rest of this very volatile region. It was a tragic and painful reminder of the risks our servicemen and women confront to protect the peace and American interests abroad.
As we honor the 19 airmen who gave their lives in Saudi Arabia, we need to remember that they did not die in vain. As a result, we are developing new ways to protect our military forces in the post-Cold War geopolitical environment. We now understand that this means deploying U.S. forces to promote stability in new and unfamiliar areas. And we have to pay more attention than ever before to the security conditions under which our troops are deployed.
Madam Speaker, a few days ago 14 Middle Easterners were indicted for this horrific act. I share a common sentiment with my colleagues and the rest of America that we regret it took so long to bring the indictments in this case. I know that we look forward to completing the court proceedings so the families of the heroes we honor today may begin to have a sense of closure.
Madam Speaker, our action on this resolution today is a message to those who died, their family members, our Nation and the rest of the world, that we honor the sacrifices of these 19 servicemen and the families they left behind. They served with the highest and best military traditions. No one could have served better or given more.
I thank the gentleman from New York (Chairman McHugh) and the House leadership for bringing this important issue to the floor. I urge my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 161.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. McHUGH. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Isakson). As the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Tauscher) and I have both mentioned, we are collectively very grateful to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Isakson) for having the concern and enacting the initiative to bring this resolution to us today on this very sad anniversary.
Mr. ISAKSON. Madam Speaker, my thanks to the gentleman from New York
(Mr. McHugh), the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Tauscher), the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump), the chairman of committee, and on behalf of really all of us in the Congress of the United States, today to pay tribute to the 19 airmen who 5 years ago today sacrificed their lives in behalf of the people of the United States of America.
Madam Speaker, I thought when I was drafting this resolution, it is kind of ironic that if you think about today, just a month ago we celebrated Memorial Day, where we honored the men and women who have died in the pursuit, and subsequently the defense, of freedom in wars, domestic and foreign, since the founding of our country.
Five months from now we will celebrate Veterans' Day, where we pay tribute to every man and every woman who has ever worn a uniform on behalf of this great Nation.
In 11 days, on the 4th of July, we celebrate the founding of America; we celebrate our birthday. We celebrate our Declaration of Independence, upon which our Founding Fathers pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
Today, we honor 19 airmen who gave their lives, the supreme sacrifice, at the hands of terrorists 20 miles away from Dhahran in Saudi Arabia. Today I join with all of this Congress in paying tribute to those men, who were Master Sergeant Kendall K. Kitson, Jr.; Tech Sergeant Daniel B. Cafourek; Tech Sergeant Patrick P. Fennig; Tech Sergeant Thanh Van Nguyen; Senior Airman Earl F. Cartrette, Jr.; Senior Airman Jeremy A. Taylor; Sergeant Millard D. Campbell; Airman First Class Brent E. Marthaler; Airman First Class Brian W. McVeigh; Airman First Class Peter J. Morgera; Airman First Class Joseph E. Rimkus; Airman First Class Joshua E. Woody; Captain Christopher J. Adams; Captain Leland T. Haun; Master Sergeant Michael G. Heiser; Staff Sergeant Kevin J. Johnson; Airman First Class Justin R. Wood; Staff Sergeant Ronald L. King; and Airman First Class Christopher Lester.
As we celebrate our 4th of July or Memorial Day or Veterans' Day on their designated day, for me this day will be a constant reminder of the sacrifice of these men; and it is my hope that all of America pause on this day today and each year thereafter to give thanks for their sacrifice and also be reminded of the threats of terrorism as they exist, both domestic and abroad.
Today, in Washington D.C. the parents and loved ones of many of these who sacrificed their lives are the guests of the FBI in our city, and at this time I want to personally pay tribute to director Louis Freeh. Within hours after the announcement of this attack and this tragedy in Dhahran, Director Freeh boarded an aircraft, assembled 125 members of the FBI, and personally directed the beginning of the investigation in Saudi Arabia, which has led to the indictment last Thursday of 14 accused of conspiring in this great tragedy.
As Director Freeh announced his retirement last week, I am pleased today on the floor of this House on behalf of the many loved ones of these soldiers to express their grateful appreciation to his commitment to the very end of his tenure to attempting to bring to justice those who took the lives of our Nation's sons in defense of freedom. Today is a day for us to give thanks for the men who died on our behalf on that tragic evening.
Madam Speaker, I ask the Members of this House to join in bipartisan and unanimous support in tribute for those brave 19, and to remind all Americans that we should continue to be ever vigilant of the terrors of terrorists and their danger, and ever thankful for the men and women that serve in our Armed Forces, keep us safe and keep us free.
Mrs. TAUSCHER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 161.
Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. McHUGH. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, with a final word of appreciation to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Isakson) and a final word of deepest sorrow and deepest appreciation to the families of these fallen heroes, we can never undo the tragedy that they have witnessed. We can never ameliorate the pain that I know is with them each and every day. But I would hope, and I know my colleagues join me in this hope, that with the adoption of this resolution, they will take from our action some solace in the fact that we do not forget that this Congress remains committed to the resolution of justice and to bringing to trial and to a proper conviction those who have wrought this tragedy upon such innocence.
Madam Speaker, I again urge all of our colleagues to join us in support of this concurrent resolution.
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 161, honoring the Service Men Killed in Khobar Towers.
From the frozen battlefield of Breed's Hill, most commonly known as the Battle of Bunker Hill, to the war-torn former provinces of Yugoslavia the military has repeatedly proven its ability to meet the challenges offered by this nation's leadership. Any time the nation called the men and women of the United States armed forces has answered in the affirmative and successfully met the challenges of their mission on the behalf of a free and independent United States of America.
Five years ago, on this date, June 25, 1996, a terrorist bomb at the Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia killed 19 U.S. servicemen and wounded 400 others. On June 21st of this year, a federal grand jury in Virginia returned a 46-count indictment that charged 13 Saudis and a Lebanese man with complicity in the bombing.
Although none of those charged is now in the United States, I along with members of the Judiciary Committee will be working to see that justice is served in this matter.
Prosecutors brought the charges now because the statute of limitations were to expire next week. I request that Saudi Arabia cooperate fully in our attempt to see that the guilty are brought before a court to answer for this act.
I applaud the men and women of our nation's armed forces who protect and defend our national interest around the globe. The sacrifices of the men and women who are the United States Army have for over two centuries put the country's best interest ahead of their own for the benefit of all of our freedom.
Today, we remember the sacrifices to this nation, becuse they have made the world a safer place for democracy and freedom. May those 19 service men killed continue to be remembered for their bravery and commitment to this great nation.
I commend the work done by Federal law-enforcement personnel in searching for those responsible for this terrible crime.
I encourage all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this resolution.
Mr. MICA. Madam Speaker, June 25, 2001 marks the fifth anniversary of the terrorist bombing of the U.S. military housing facility Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia. Nineteen American servicemen were killed and hundreds wounded in that vicious attack. Last week the United States indicted some of those responsible for those murders. However long it takes to bring those indicted and those responsible for this terrorist act to justice, our country must pursue all guilty parties. Until those who perpetrated this heinous international crime are brought to justice, we cannot rest.
I commend the Bush Administration, the Attorney General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for making certain that this case is not forgotten. Florida and our nation lost too many innocent victims for this matter to be brushed aside. My Congressional District and the mother and family of AIC Brian McVeigh who was killed in Khobar Towers, continue to feel the pain of that great loss.
The United States Congress, these surviving relatives, and all the others who lost their loved ones cannot rest until justice prevails.
Mr. GILMAN. Madam Speaker, I commend Mr. Isakson for introducing H. Con. Res. 161, which honors the 19 United States servicemen who died in the terrorist bombing of Khobar Towers and the 250 other military personnel who were wounded on June 25, 1996. On the fifth anniversary of the bombing, we honor those who were killed and wounded for serving on the front lines of freedom, far from home.
On June 21st, the Federal Bureau of Investigation indicted the Hizbollah terrorists, who attacked our military personnel. Iranian officials may also have been involved.
The House International Relations has paid tribute to these brave men and women by remaining vigilant towards terrorism and Iran. Specifically, last week the Committee voted to renew for five years the Iran-Lybia Sanctions Act. That Act (ILSA) penalizes foreign firms for investing in the Iranian and Libyan energy sector to deprive those governments of revenues for their programs of weapons of mass destruction and terrorism.
We believe that reauthorizing the ILSA Act pays tribute to the memories of the brave men and women who died five years ago today and serves as a warning to those who attack U.S. servicemen and women. The memories of these brave men and women will always be with us.
Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to fully support this measure.
Mr. WELDON of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 161. It is fitting that we take a some time today on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to remember those who paid the highest price of freedom.
Five years ago, on June 25, 1996, the lives of five families in my congressional district were irrevocably changed by a horrendous act of terrorism. Five service members from Patrick Air Force Base were taken from their loved ones and from our community.
It has been a long five years for the loved ones of these men. I hope they can find solace in the fact that last week a federal grand jury indicted fourteen people suspected of carrying out this terrible act. I will do all that I can do to help bring those who committed this vicious act to justice. I call upon the U.S. Department of Justice to do all that they can to place a high priority on this.
These five men were:
Capt. Christopher J. Adams, he was engaged to be married.
Master Sgt. Michael Heiser, who was also engaged.
Capt. Leland ``Tim'' Haun, was a husband and stepfather.
Staff Sgt. Kevin Johnson, turned 36 on the day of the blast, and was the father of three.
Airman 1st Class Justin Wood, was only 20 years old and was working on his college degree.
H. Con. Res. 161 resolves that: ``The Congress, on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the terrorist bombing of the Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia, recognizes the sacrifice of the 19 servicemen who died in that attack, and calls upon every American to pause and pay tribute to these brave soldiers and to remain ever vigilant for signs which may warn of a terrorist attack.''
Known to us as Capt. Adams, Master Sgt. Heiser, Capt. Haun, Staff Sgt. Johnson, Airman 1st Class Wood, and to their families and loved ones as Christopher, Mike, Tim, Kevin, and Justin, these men gave their lives in defense of peace and liberty. They must not be forgotten. Our nation owes them a debt of gratitude.
I salute each of you.
Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Madam Speaker, I come before the House today on the fifth anniversary of the tragic Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia.
Shortly before 10 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25, 1996, a van parked outside the Khobar Towers military complex in Saudi Arabia exploded. The van held an estimated 2,000 pounds of explosives, which killed 19 American servicemen and injured approximately 500 other people.
Of the 19 servicemen killed, 12 were member of Eglin Air Force Base's 33rd Fighter Wing, known as the Nomads, located in my district. The Nomads were on a 90-day rotation as part of Operation Southern Watch, a United Nations mission to keep Iraq's military from invading or harassing neighboring countries. Those killed were scheduled to return to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, the day following the attack.
Today, many family members of the victims will attend a memorial service at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
The recent arrest of 13 Saudi Arabians and one Lebanese citizen sends a clear message to the world that America does not tolerate terrorism. The families who lost their loved ones in this terrible crime deserve to see justice and those responsible prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Madam Speaker, on the fifth anniversary of this tragic event, I urge the Congress to continue its efforts to see that justice does prevail for the parents and families of the 19 servicemen who lost their lives on June 25, 1996, in a terrorist attack on Saudi Arabia. They deserve nothing less.
Mr. McHUGH. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 161, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of those present have voted in the affirmative.
Mrs. TAUSCHER. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed.
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