Protecting our nation requires the determination and commitment of people throughout all levels of government, from local first responders to elite intelligence units.
At the federal level, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is tasked with monitoring our borders and protecting our ports of entry. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is responsible for gathering intelligence across the globe to ascertain and address threats to our nation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) plays an indispensable security role through its investigation of potential dangers within our borders. Our military and diplomatic corps are also integral to keeping America safe through their operations around the world.
Senator Conrad has worked with other members of Congress to ensure that the legislative branch fulfills its obligations as well. In 2004, he passed the "Smart Border" initiative into law which directed DHS to institute a high-tech pilot project that uses sensors, cameras, unmanned aircraft, and advanced computing technology to monitor remote stretches of the border with Canada. He also played a vital role in establishing the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air Branch in Grand Forks, which opened in late 2007 to supplement CBP's extensive ground operations, and which will serve as a hub for unmanned aircraft patrolling the northern border of the United States.
Further, Senator Conrad supported the Secure Fence Act in 2006 which directed DHS to construct reinforced fencing and additional barriers and detection equipment along five stretches of the southern border, totaling roughly 850 miles. Conrad has also supported legislation to expedite the construction and improve the efficacy of these barriers. In addition, Border Patrol Agents are critical to preventing the flow of illegal aliens, and Senator Conrad has repeatedly supported legislation to increase the number of agents on our borders. Since 2001, the number of agents patrolling the northern border has increased from under 400 to over 2,000 and the number of agents patrolling the southern border has increased from more than 9,000 to more than 17,000.
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Senator Conrad speaks with Border Security Guards
Press
Sen. Conrad's
speech on Osama bin Laden and the war in Iraq.
(03-29-04)
Senator
Conrad says the war in Iraq is a misplaced priority"
(03-29-04) (.mp3)
Letter
to Secretary Ridge Regarding a Lack of Local Input on New ND-Canadian
Border Hours
(10-28-03)
Links
Department
of Homeland Security
Ready.gov
FBI
Counterterrorism Division
TSA
Advice for How to Prepare for Airport Screening
Center
for Disease Control Emergency Preparedness and Response
North Dakota Department of Emergency Services ��� Division of Homeland Security
Central Intelligence Agency
United States Department of State
Office
of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense |
