Etheridge Statement on DHS Nominee

RALEIGH - U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) released the following statement today regarding President Bush's nomination of Bernard Kerik as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Etheridge is the only North Carolina member of the U.S. House Select Committee on Homeland Security, which has is charged with oversight of the Department of Homeland Security.

"The brave service of Bernard Kerik and his fellow first responders on 9/11 will never be forgotten. If confirmed, I am hopeful that this former Fort Bragg MP will be a champion at the Department of Homeland Security for local first responders around the country, fighting for the resources, training and support they need to get the job done. His history with our state and with Fort Bragg will help him to understand the role of our first responders and our military facilities. There has been progress made in homeland security, but there is still much work to be done. As the only North Carolina member of the U.S. House Select Committee on Homeland Security, I am convinced that the next secretary of the Department of Homeland Security must use common sense solutions to bring organization, focus and accountability to the Department. As representatives of the people of the United States, we have no higher duty than protecting the safety of our nation, our communities, and our families."