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| This week in Congress, my colleagues and I took
a number of important steps in protecting our homeland from the threats
of terrorism. The tragic events of September 11, 2001 forced us to
take a closer look at a number of security issues. We reacted quickly
and powerfully, recognizing that in some areas, our country is quite vulnerable.
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed historic legislation to form the Department of Homeland Security. This new department will shift responsibility from 22 existing agencies and will employ some 170,000 workers to protect us within our own borders. We also passed the Terrorism Risk Protection Act (H.R.3210), which establishes a temporary, three-year program to cover the losses of insurance companies incurred as a result of future terrorist attacks. Finally, we passed the Maritime Transportation Antiterrorism Act (S.1214) to improve port security. This will create a national security plan for our ports to prevent or deter terrorist attacks, and provides grant funding to help our ports make security adjustments. These measures come after months of debate and compromise, and their passage reflects the ability of House and Senate Members to reach across party lines and find common sense solutions to our problems. Together, they represent a new way of reacting to threats when it comes to protecting our families, our neighbors, and all Americans from harm. Our world has changed, our enemy has changed, and our approach must also change. |
