Jane Harman: “although I have reservations about some of the priorities reflected in this Homeland Security funding bill, it is…”

“although I have reservations about some of the priorities reflected in this Homeland Security funding bill, it is important legislation and I intend to support it. But, Mr. Chairman, I understand that the appropriations process is about priorities. That being the case, I'd like to talk about some of the priorities that, in my view, have been overlooked in this legislation. Like every parent, the first thought that raced through my mind on 9/ 11 was of my children. Where were they? Were they safe? How could I reach them, or they me? Given the likelihood that an emergency could occur while our kids are at school and parents are at work, teaching age-appropriate skills about how to respond is critical. Growing up during the Cold War, I remember the drills, and sharing what I learned with my parents and younger brother. Such training is needed today. And there is a program in California, Mr. Chairman, known as FLASH, which is specifically designed as a public school curriculum to teach students, parents and teachers how to prepare and respond in the event of a terrorist attack or natural disaster. I am very disappointed that the bill does not include modest funding for implementation of a Federal version of FLASH. Surely, a program of such obvious importance should be able to find a home in the Federal Government.”