News Release - Amid New Threats, Etheridge Questions Ridge About Homeland Security Progress

News Release
Congressman Bob Etheridge
North Carolina

May 20, 2003

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

Amid New Threats, Etheridge Questions Ridge About Homeland Security Progress

Lawmaker Raises N.C. First Responders' Concerns

WASHINGTON - Amid new warnings about possible terrorist attacks in the U.S. by al Quaeda, U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) today questioned Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge about the progress of his department. At a hearing of the House Select Committee on Homeland Security, Etheridge raised many of the concerns voiced by North Carolina's first responders at the Congressional Homeland Security Summit held last month in Raleigh.

Etheridge told Ridge that first responders, who are on the frontlines of homeland security, must be fully integrated into the Department of Homeland Security and that local first responders need improved communication, training and resources. Etheridge also noted that the recent terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia and Morocco are frightening evidence of our country's continued vulnerability.

"I want Secretary Ridge to understand the predicament of North Carolina's first responders," Etheridge said. "Last month I convened a summit in Raleigh of first responders, emergency management officials and all those involved in homeland security to get their perspective from the frontlines. First responders stressed the critical importance of streamlined communication, advanced training and additional resources in order to keep our communities safe. Our local police and firefighters will be the first on the scene in any disaster - natural or man-made - and with the threat level possibly rising, they need our help more than ever."

Ridge testified before the committee on the progress that his department has made in preparing for and preventing against terrorist attacks. Today's hearing was the first appearance by Ridge before the new House Select Committee on Homeland Security, which is charged with oversight of the department.