News Release - Etheridge Appointed to Homeland Security Select Committee

News Release
Congressman Bob Etheridge
North Carolina

February 12, 2003

Contact: Sara Lang
Phone: (202) 225-4531

Etheridge Appointed to
Homeland Security Select Committee

WASHINGTON - As the nation grapples with news of terrorist threats, U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) was today appointed by Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi to the newly formed House Select Committee on Homeland Security. This committee was created to further the goal of protecting the United States from terrorist attack by coordinating all House oversight of the new Homeland Security Department and exercising exclusive legislative jurisdiction over the Homeland Security Act that established the department. The committee will be led by Chairman Christopher Cox (R-CA) and Ranking Member Jim Turner (D-TX).

"The highest charge of our government is protecting our country, our communities and our families, and I am honored to join this committee and work to meet the challenge of protecting our hometowns," Etheridge said. "On 9/11 our world changed forever, and the recent news reports of increased terrorist threats remind us of our continued vulnerability. This new committee will ensure that the new Department of Homeland Security quickly implements effective plans that protect North Carolina and our hometowns."

Chairman Cox said the committee underscores the importance attached to protecting American citizens. "Every member of the Committee, on both sides of the aisle, will work to ensure that the largest reorganization of the U.S. government in over half a century accomplishes its objective: keeping Americans safe," he said.

The 48 members of the committee were selected based on their substantive expertise in the many areas such as intelligence, cybersecurity, border and port security, public health and emergency preparedness that together comprise the mission of the Homeland Security Department, the newest cabinet department. Etheridge is the only North Carolinian serving on the committee