Homeland Security

As the only member of the House Committee on Homeland Security representing New York City, I know that keeping Americans safe and combating terrorism means investing more resources at home, not spending hundreds of billions fighting wars abroad. Having been attacked twice in the last 13 years, it is indisputable that New York City is the top target for persons wishing to do harm to our country, and it is the role of the federal government to ensure that this does not occur again.

Since arriving in Congress, I have helped support passage of a bill to finally implement the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, a task that took four years to achieve. I also helped develop and push through the House of Representatives the Rail and Public Transportation Security Act of 2007, which will provide funding and programs to vastly increase the safety and security of New York’s bridges, tunnels, trains, and bus systems.

As New York City’s advocate on Homeland Security, I have also been at the forefront of ensuring that the city and state receive funding to develop improved interoperable communications for first responders and other emergency resources that would be vital in responding to an attack or natural disaster.

Further, I have used my position on the House Committee on Homeland Security to be a strong advocate for pushing to reform the center that oversees the terrorist watch list. It remains inherently unfair that many patriotic Americans and other innocent individuals are routinely prevented from flying, entering the United States, receiving a visa, or getting other government services because their name incorrectly appears on a secret list. This system must change and I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Committee to be a part of the solution.

Homeland Security bills that I have co-sponsored:
• H.R. 1--Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007
• H.R. 1401--Rail and Public Transportation Security Act of 2007
• H.R. 1413--To direct the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration) to address vulnerabilities in aviation security by carrying out a pilot program to screen airport workers with access to secure and sterile areas of airports.
• H.R. 1684--Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008
• H.R. 3284--TSA Acquisition Reform Act of 2007
• H. Res. 134--Recognizing and honoring the employees of the Department of Homeland Security for their efforts and contributions to protect and secure the Nation.