The tragic events of September 11th have forever changed America and the entire world. While we may not be able to completely remove the threat of terrorism in our world today, the President and the Congress are working on many national security and homeland security initiatives. I want to update you on the steps that Congress has taken to protect Americans. With my support, the following bills have been passed:

• The Military Force Authorization Bill, HJR 64 - gives President Bush full authority to use force against those who took part in the terrorist attacks

• Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Recovery from and Response to Terrorist Attacks on the United States, HR 2888 - provides $40 billion for the War on Terrorism and disaster assistance and recovery

• Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism, HR 3162 - provides more training and tools to help our local, park, and customs police forces better protect the American public. This includes strengthening our nation's borders and visa requirements

• Secure Transportation for America Act, HR 3150 - bolsters airport security with more stringent requirements for screeners, stronger cockpit doors, and increasing the presence of air marshals on flights.

• The Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Response Act, HR 3448 (House and Senate are working out differences) - provides $1 billion to state and local governments to improve planning and preparedness, $450 million to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to upgrade their capacities to deal with public health threats, and $1 billion to expand our current national stockpiles of medicines and vaccines. $200 million has been provided to further protect our food supply and livestock and our drinking water from terrorist contamination.

It is a new day in America and I ask for your prayers and patience as we face many difficult decisions about the security and protection of our nation and its people.