Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the United States has over 300 official ports of entry, ranging from land border ports along our southern and northern borders to international airports in major metropolitan cities, to seaports ranging from the Great Lakes to coastal cities. While each port facilitates trade and travel that keeps our economy humming, each has their own unique security challenges to prevent illicit activity. That is why it is imperative that we know the vulnerabilities and operational needs at each and every port in order to properly protect our homeland from threats and exploitation. I introduced this bill because our country's ports are long overdue for a comprehensive review. My bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to do a full threat and operational analysis of these vulnerabilities and create a strategy and implementation plan to prevent human trafficking, illicit drugs, illegal contraband, and transnational criminal activity at our air, land, and sea ports of entry. The bill also works to improve the flow of commerce that is vital to our economy. We need to not only think about the security of our ports, but also the infrastructure and operational needs as well. Ports of entry continue to be a preferred location for transnational criminal organizations and drug smugglers to transport illicit drugs and contraband into the United States.…”