Homeland Security

Throughout my time in Congress, the safety of our nation has been my top priority. The attacks of September 11, 2001 showed the many security vulnerabilities of our country. We must ensure that our country has the resources and the knowledge to properly protect our nation from terrorism.

While we have taken some steps to increase our security including consolidation of necessary agencies under the Department of Homeland Security and the reform of our intelligence services, we need continuing strong Congressional oversight to ensure that these government agencies are performing their duties.

In the 108th Congress I was proud to support the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission by supporting an intelligence reform bill that refocuses our nation on collecting human intelligence and establishes an intelligence czar to oversee the many different government sectors that comprise our intelligence effort. Early in the 109th Congress I supported the Real ID Act to pass recommendations of the commission not included in the intelligence reform bill. These recommendations included strengthening our requirements for identification, reforming our asylum laws to keep terrorists out, and strengthening vulnerable sections of our southern border.

As we go forward in the 109th Congress I look forward to working with the Senate to reform first-responder funding. It is crucial that such funding be allotted on a risk-based formula. In past years, funding has been disproportionately given to smaller inland states that do not face the risk nor have the critical infrastructure we have in our state. While the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed legislation to reform funding, the Senate is yet to consider this essential legislation.

Related Documents:

Press Release - President Ports Letter 9.26.2006

Press Release - Radio Tour 8.8.2006

Press Release - 1st Responders Comm 7.25.2006

Press Release - SSJC House 6.29.2006

Press Release - UN SSJC Amdt 6.28.2006


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