House Passes Sweeping Homeland Security Bill

November 14, 2002

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Calling it, "a defining moment in America's war on terrorism," Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, on Wednesday voted to approve the Homeland Security Act of 2002, H.R. 5710. The legislation provides for historic reorganization of over 100 federal agencies and departments in order to better prevent and respond to the threat of terrorism. H.R. 5710 passed the House by a vote of 299-121.

"Ensuring domestic security is the nation's priority," Dreier said. "September 11 made it abundantly clear that America needed a more flexible, better coordinated approach to domestic security. Passage of this bill is a watershed moment in the nation's history and gives us a new and potent weapon in the war on terrorism. We've created a Department of Homeland Security that can take terrorism head on, preventing attacks before they happen and responding to serious threats as efficiently as possible. While passage of this important legislation was delayed, the result was well worth the wait."

H.R. 5710 will:

• Establish a flexible, capable response force that can quickly respond to a shifting threat and protect and defend the American people.

• Enhance border security by placing the Customs Service, Immigration and Naturalization Service, and Coast Guard within the DHS. All immigration responsibilities will now be regulated by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

• Promote research and development of homeland security technology across the government, the academic community and the private sector. A university based center or centers will not only assist in training first responders but also conduct research in bio- and agroterrorism.

• Encourage public/private partnerships to protect civilian infrastructures such as telecommunications, transportation systems, and power grids from attack.

• Make available federal grants to first responders for training, equipment, improvement in communications technology, and most importantly, coordination between federal, state, and local terrorism response personnel.

Dreier commended the work of the Select Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Dick Armey (R-TX) and the members of the committee for their leadership in crafting legislation that provides America with a new and greater level of domestic security.