Homeland Security
Residents of the 8th District know first-hand the serious and unfortunate impacts of disasters that threaten our homes, our businesses, and our way of life. Our communities are forever changed by the terrorist attacks that occurred just across the Hudson River on September 11th, 2001. The 8th District has also experienced the impacts of natural disasters and continues to recover from Superstorm Sandy. It is clear that local, state, and federal government agencies must work closely together to make our communities more resilient for future disasters, whether they are man-made or natural. As a Member of Congress, I have been, and will continue to be, a strong advocate for further Homeland Security and disaster preparedness funding.
Preparedness measures and emergency response capabilities help the communities in the 8th District improve recovery capabilities after adverse events. The 8th District is home to what is considered the most dangerous two-mile stretch in the country due to our critical transportation and industrial infrastructure. Everyday our district facilitates the passage of interstate commerce that is crucial to our local, state, and national economies. The district houses both the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels, along with Newark Liberty International Airport and the Port of Newark/Elizabeth. Our district also transports the residents of New Jersey to and from New York everyday with important PATH railway terminals along with New Jersey Transit and Amtrak rail lines. Protection of this infrastructure is paramount, which is why I have and will continue to push for proper transportation and port security funding.
Our nation’s preparedness efforts rely heavily on our local firefighters, police officers, emergency medical services, and emergency management agencies. It is in the best interest of all citizens that we provide our first responders with the resources they need to protect us during everyday emergencies, and during natural and man-made disasters. As a Member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I remain committed to supporting legislation that benefits fire departments and first responders.
More on Homeland Security
Over the last two weeks in Washington, I held a number of meetings, attended a House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee hearing, and participated in a markup of legislation.
Over the last two weeks, I have written to the House Appropriations Committee to support or increase funding for a number of programs that are essential to the 8th District.
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Sires released the following statement on the 14th anniversary of the attacks that took place on September 11, 2001:
“September 11, 2001 is a day that I will never forget as I watched the second tower fall from across the Hudson River. Thinking back on that day I feel immense sadness, but pride in the response that came from the courage of our first responders. We will always remember and honor the victims and their families from that tragic September day.
Representing the 8th District in Washington this week, I completed Foreign Affairs Committee work, cast several important votes, and participated in a USO service project.
I advocated for the people of the 8th District this week by attending Foreign Affairs Committee hearings, meeting with several groups from the Garden State, and voting on critical pieces of legislation.
(Washington, D.C.) – This week, Congressman Sires voted in favor of several pieces of legislation critical to assisting New Jersey veterans, homeowners, and those affected by Superstorm Sandy.
It was a busy week in New Jersey and in Washington with events in the 8th District, meetings with groups from New Jersey, and committee hearings.
Continuing my advocacy for the residents of the 8th District, this week I met with undergraduate students from New Jersey, discussed transportation policy regarding the state’s critical infrastructure, attended important hearings on international affairs, and met with several foreign diplomats.
This week in Washington, I participated in a Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, supported critical pieces of legislation, attended a joint session of Congress, and met with various constituent groups.
I first attended Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address before a joint session of Congress. As we examine U.S. policy towards Iran, we must take smart, clear steps towards addressing our concerns with the Iranian regime and protecting our national security abroad.
This week in Washington, I participated in various Committee and Subcommittee hearings, and met with several constituent groups, as well as foreign officials.