Homeland Security
The primary role of government is to defend our freedoms from those who want to harm us. We must be prepared to protect our freedom as well as prepare for disasters and all hazards, natural disasters and terrorist threats. I will focus on providing individuals and agencies that protect our country with all the tools necessary to do their jobs efficiently and effectively. It is imperative that we put national security above partisan politics. As a former U.S. Attorney, I served as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the Southern District of Indiana, where my top priority was protecting Hoosiers. Every day for six years, I was proud to be part of a remarkable team of federal, state and local law enforcement colleagues and emergency responders working to strengthen homeland security and counter-terrorism measures. In Congress, I will build upon that knowledge and experience to take all the necessary steps to protect our country from future attacks and to keep Americans safe at home and abroad.
I was honored to be named the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications for the Homeland Security Committee. The Committee on Homeland Security ensures Congressional oversight of the Department of Homeland Security and aims to better protect the American people from threats posed by all hazards. The Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications examines policies crucial to protecting lives and property before, during and after disasters, both manmade and natural.
More on Homeland Security
Like all Hoosiers, I have clear memories of Sept. 11, 2001. I picked up my kids from school — they were 8 and 11 at the time — and did my best to answer their questions and explain what had taken place. My thoughts also drifted back to the beginning of the summer, when Indianapolis hosted the World Police and Fire Games. Thousands of first responders from across the globe brought the Circle City to life with spirited and good-natured athletic competition. Many of them were from New York City who would sadly lose their lives on 9/11.
A congressional panel says the Boston Marathon bombings of one year ago indicate federal law enforcement still needs to do more to share information with local police:
Federal and local authorities set up "fusion centers" in the aftermath of 9/11 to make sure critical intelligence is passed along. But Fifth District Congresswoman Susan Brooks, who chairs a House emergency preparedness subcommittee, says the effectiveness of those centers varies with the approach of the officials named to serve on them.
Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) released the following statement applauding the return of Indianapolis to the list of cities eligible to receive funding through the Department of Homeland Security’s Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI):
As Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security’s Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications (EPRC), Representative Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) introduced the Social Media Working Group Act of 2014. EPRC Ranking Member Rep. Donald Payne (D-NJ10), Vice Chairman Rep. Steven Palazzo (R-MS4) and Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA15) are all original cosponsors. The bill – H.R. 4263 – expands both the membership and influence of the Department of Homeland Security’s Virtual Social Media Working Group.
Riverview Hospital hosted Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks yesterday afternoon for a tour of the campus, a lunch meeting with the Hamilton County Health Department, and a meeting with the Hamilton County Health and Medical Coalition, where the congresswoman spoke.
Congresswoman Brooks was shown several areas of the hospital by Pat Fox, Riverview CEO, Greg Murray, the new Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Joyce Wood, Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) at Riverview.
The Medical Preparedness Allowable Use Act, legislation introduced by Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL12), was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives today. The bill makes sure homeland security grant dollars are available for medical preparedness activities, including the purchase of vital medical equipment and supplies used by first responders.
As Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security’s Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications, Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) visited the headquarters of Indiana Task Force One (IN-TF1) today. IN-TF1 uses a volunteer force mostly composed of local emergency response professionals to provide a wide range of support for disaster relief efforts across the United States.
Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) took to the House Floor today to recognize the outstanding efforts of Indiana’s first responders and emergency management officials during recent dangerous weather conditions:
The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program (SAFER) awarded the Anderson Fire Department a $1.25 million dollar grant to assist with emergency preparation and response efforts. The award will specifically support efforts to rehire firefighters and maintain necessary staffing levels over the next two years.
By ALEX BYERS | 11/19/13 9:02 AM EST Updated: 11/19/13 10:25 AM EST
Communications complications during the Navy Yard shooting in September stemmed from too much information, not too little, D.C. Deputy Mayor Paul Quander said Tuesday morning.