Washington, DC: Congressman Ron Paul today urged his colleagues in the House of Representatives to adopt the SAFE Act as they begin debate on various counter-terrorism proposals. The Act, which Paul introduced earlier this week, gives the federal government and law enforcement new weapons in the war on terrorism.

In the wake of September 11th, Congress must implement common sense changes to make America more secure,” Paul stated. “My proposals make many of the changes requested by President Bush and Attorney General Ashcroft.”

The SAFE Act includes the following key provisions:

Restrictions on immigration : including student visas, for individuals from nations on the State department’s list of governments that sponsor terrorists or impede American anti-terrorism efforts.

Better intelligence gathering : regulations that make it difficult for law enforcement agencies to share intelligence on terrorists are eliminated.

More agents who speak Arabic languages : the FBI is authorized to hire more people who speak needed languages to conduct effective counter-intelligence.

Harsher criminal penalties for terrorists : the federal statute of limitations for criminal terrorist offenses is eliminated; jail sentences and penalties for terrorist acts, attempts, and conspiracies are increased.

Paul also introduced the “Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001″ last month, legislation which would allow airlines to train and arm pilots to prevent future hijackings. Both bills are part of an effort by Paul to provide practical solutions to terrorism that do not infringe upon the civil liberties of American citizens.

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