Jim Bunning: “I am pleased the Senate is able to pass legislation to establish the Department of Homeland Security before Congress…”

“I am pleased the Senate is able to pass legislation to establish the Department of Homeland Security before Congress adjourns the 107th Congress sine die. After the terror attacks on September 11, 2001 it has been the mission of President Bush and many in Congress to create this new Department, and it is particularly pleasing to get this done now rather than waiting until Congress starts up the 108th Congress in January of 2003. And I know as well the American people are supportive of getting this legislation passed now rather than later. Those who oppose this legislation before us may have some legitimate and principled concerns as to why they do not support this bill. By all means, the bill is not entirely perfect and I think most members of Congress would attest to that. But neither were the original bills to create any other federal department or agency perfect on the first try. That is why we have committee hearings on these issues, and I am sure we will pass supplemental and technical bills over the years to legislatively mold the new Department of Homeland Security so that it is stronger and more efficient. But we needed to get this bill rolling now. Every day is vital as we fight this new war on terrorism. Delaying the creation of this new department another three or four months could set America back in her defenses. Every day that goes by without work being done to create and organize this new department simply puts us back further and further.”