News Release - Etheridge Calls for Homeland Security Hearing on Soft Targets

Etheridge Calls for Homeland Security Hearing on 'Soft Targets'

WASHINGTON - In the wake of the tragic hostage crisis at a Russian school, U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington), a member of the House Select Committee on Homeland Security, last week requested a full committee hearing on the Administration's plans to secure "soft targets," such as schools and hospitals. Etheridge issued the request in a letter to Chairman Christopher Cox just days after the hostage crisis that left more than 300 students, parents and teachers dead and more than 200 missing.

"As we witness the unimaginable grief of the families in Russia, we must act now to keep the schools in our country safe," Etheridge said. "As we work to protect our hometowns, security at soft targets like schools and hospitals cannot be ignored. Although the legislative days of the 108th Congress are drawing to a close, our committee and this Congress should act now to protect these types of facilities. The tragic example in Russia has shown us the disastrous and heartbreaking results of inaction."

Last Wednesday, more than 1,200 people, mostly children, were taken hostage at School No. 1 in Beslan in southern Russia. Preliminary investigations indicate that the militants who stormed the school had a detailed and sophisticated plan of attack.

In homeland security hearings throughout the year, Etheridge has raised the issue of school security. In May, he met with Robert Liscouski, assistant secretary of homeland security for infrastructure protection, to press the department to make protection of schools a top priority.