September 11, 2001, changed our nation forever. It changed the way we think, the way we view the world, and forever changed the way we approach terrorism on our soil. The creation of the Department of Homeland Security is the most significant reorganization of the federal government in over half-a-century. This agency is charged with protecting the American people and its borders, highways, ports, and critical infrastructure from terrorist attack.
Our first responders play critical roles in defending our homeland and it is vitally important that they have the equipment and tools necessary for preparedness. To answer the call, our police officers, firefighters and other law enforcement agencies are now, along with our military serving overseas, on the front lines of this war.
First Responders
• Firefighters
I continue to support firefighters in Oklahoma and nationwide. In 2004, the Department of Homeland Security implemented the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Firefighter grant program. This program authorizes funds for a competitive grant program for localities to hire more firefighters and will allow the U.S. Fire Administrator to make grants to increase career firefighter presence and enhance their ability to save lives, property, and effectively respond to emergenscies. Inadequate staffing jeopardizes the lives of firefighters and the public they are sworn to protect, and undermines efforts to create an effective homeland defense. I have been a vocal proponent of the SAFER program and will continue to support efforts to ensure that our firefighters have the resources they need to protect American lives.
• Law Enforcement
Our law enforcement personnel play vital roles in defending our homeland. For this reason, I believe more work needs to be done to support the interoperable communication needs of our police officers. In 2004, I held a roundtable with police chiefs in my District and the interoperability of their communication systems was one of their main concerns. Interoperability is vital to responding to a terrorist attack or natural disaster. It will reduce confusion and enable law enforcement to respond more quickly to an attack, thus saving more lives. Our police officers must have tools to be able to coordinate their emergency responses in a clear and effective manner. As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over this issue, I will continue to work diligently to ensure that we meet the needs of law enforcement.
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