I concur with the objective of the Homeland Security committee that we should discuss the potential threat to the homeland posed by the Somali terrorist organization al-Shabaad.

The threats and activity of al-Qaeda and al-Shabaab are real and should be investigated by this committee.

I was not notified by DHS or anyone. I read it in the newspaper.

We have a tremendous responsibility not only as Democrats but I believe we are the only two members in Southern California.

We also heard about utilizing funds, HMT, which have just been wasted and not been fully utilized.

I want to say a special thank you for you coming to Los Angeles.

This bill is a bipartisan bill. It is a bicameral bill.

I am concerned that the President's budget seeks to eliminate the Emergency Operations Centers operated by FEMA.

The 37th Congressional District of California, which I am privileged to represent, has a vital interest in ensuring our homeland security needs are adequately funded.

I appreciate the cooperation that the Department of Homeland Security has given to this committee, and I would be remiss if I didn't thank you, Secretary Napolitano for your leadership at the Department of Homeland Security.

I look forward to hearing your testimony in regards to the Department's strategic goals, performance objectives, and overall priorities on how to secure the U.S. Southern border as reflected in the President's fiscal year 2012 budget…