Dianne Feinstein: “I introduce the Homeland Security Information Sharing Act, a bill to increase state and local access to security…”

“I introduce the Homeland Security Information Sharing Act, a bill to increase state and local access to security information that could save American lives. The House has already passed similar legislation bill sponsored by Representatives Harman and Chambliss, and it is my understanding that the Administration supports this legislation as well. The bill I introduce today will not solve our intelligence problems-- we have a long road ahead of us before we can accomplish that. But this legislation will send a clear signal to our federal agencies that information gathered at the federal level must be shared with states and localities if we are to triumph in the battle against terrorism. State and local law enforcement are first-line defenders of our homeland security. Too often, though, state and local officials do not receive information necessary for them to protect us. If, for instance, there were a terrorist threat against the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, we would want a cooperative effort between the Federal government and local officials. This bill would: Direct the President to establish procedures for federal agencies to share homeland security information with state and local officials, and for all government officials to be able to communicate with each other. Local officials should quickly have access to relevant intelligence necessary to prevent or respond to attacks in their communities.”