H. Res. 523
In the House of Representatives, U.S.,
October 10, 1998.
Whereas on August 7, 1998, 254 people, 12 of whom were
United States citizens, were killed when a bomb exploded
at the United States Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, and 9
people were killed when a bomb exploded at the United
States Embassy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania;
Whereas these bombs were detonated minutes apart and were
clearly coordinated;
Whereas in both cases trucks, driven by suicidal terrorists
and loaded with explosives, approached the embassies but
were diverted from attacking their primary targets by
quick thinking Embassy security staff;
Whereas the bombs did explode, injuring thousands of inno-
cent civilians and destroying millions of dollars worth of
local property;
Whereas the Governments of Israel and France immediately
sent search and rescue teams to aid in the aftermath of
the bombings;
Whereas on August 7, 1998, Pakistani police arrested sus-
pect Muhammad Sadiq Odeh, who confessed to being
part of a team which was orchestrated and financed by
Osama bin Laden; and
•HRES 523 EH
Whereas Osama bin Laden, an exiled Saudi Arabian busi-
nessman who is believed to be currently living in Afghani-
stan, is a known sponsor of international terrorism
against secular Middle Eastern regimes and has publicly
stated his support for attacks against American influ-
ence, Americans, and American targets: Now, therefore,
be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives—
(1) expresses the deep condolences of the House of
Representatives and the American people to the families
of all persons killed or injured in the bombing;
(2) expresses our dismay for the mayhem and de-
struction visited upon the Governments and people of
Kenya and Tanzania;
(3) expresses gratitude to the people and the Gov-
ernments of Kenya and Tanzania for their assistance to
the people and the property of the United States in the
aftermath of the bombings;
(4) expresses our gratitude to the United States
Embassy guards whose quick thinking and heroic actions
prevented even more deaths and injuries;
(5) expresses our gratitude to the people and the
Governments of Israel, France, the United Kingdom,
Germany, Japan, Australia, and South Africa, as well as
the many private organizations which volunteered to as-
sist the United States in the aftermath of the bombings;
•HRES 523 EH
(6) expresses our gratitude to United States person-
nel for their dedication in serving abroad and promoting
United States interests and courageously assuming the
risks of living and working overseas;
(7) expresses our gratitude to United States Fed-
eral and local agencies which assisted in the aftermath
of the bombings;
(8) expresses our condemnation of all persons and
parties involved in the outrageous and illegal attacks
which resulted in the tragic loss of life of so many Amer-
icans, Kenyans, Tanzanians, and others;
(9) expresses the determination of the House of
Representatives to assist, in any way possible, in the ar-
rest of all persons responsible for these attacks; and
(10) expresses the intention of the House of Rep-
resentatives to examine whether security needs of United
States facilities overseas are being met and what kinds
of tools can be employed to discourage nations from har-
boring terrorists.
Attest:
Clerk.