Let me say at this point that Americans are not alone in this. Nor are U.S. carriers alone in being targeted by terrorists. I do not believe that there is any basis for assertions that our carriers may be less safe than foreign carriers. In fact, the regulations and requirements U.S. carriers must comply with are often more stringent than those required of foreign carriers by their governments. That has to change.
Terrorism exists throughout the world.
Its efforts are targeted at innocent people of almost every race, creed, and color. The civilized world must protect its law-abiding citizens from such vile attacks. Our Government has a clear responsibility for protecting Americans. And it was on that responsibility that our work focused. Following the bombing, the families and friends of the vicitms of Pan Am 103 pressed for action, and pressed for answers.