Most recently, in fact, last week, we hosted Chinese Premier Zhu and his entourage and again, we developed a preparedness plan to meet the threat. Believe me, I can commiserate with emergency planners here in Washington. Throughout our history, the United States has rarely faced internal threats. Nevertheless, in this era of global communications and transportation, America faces a new threat from domestic terrorism. Recent bombings in New York City, Atlanta and Oklahoma City have taught us that international and domestic terrorists can strike any target in any county.
Terrorism is no longer a just a threat for international travelers and workers.
Terrorists today are no longer limited to detonating bombs onboard airliners. They are no longer limited to attacking Americans in foreign cities and they are no longer limited to attacking American facilities in other countries. They have the means and the will to launch attacks from within the United States on targets in the United States. The World Trade Center bombing demonstrated that all too clearly. And we are no longer facing known international terrorist organizations and their operatives.