Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we are here today to consider Representative Carter's bill, H.R. 1374, the Securing the Cities Improvement Act, or STC. This bill is essential for enhancing cities' security against nuclear and radiological threats. The STC program was created by the Department of Homeland Security in 2007. It began as a pilot program in high-risk cities to detect nuclear and radiological threats. Since then, it has expanded to include additional cities, offering equipment, training, technological support, and program guidance. The program supports major events by ensuring cities are prepared for potential threats. However, its reliance on the annual Urban Area Security Initiative, or UASI, designations creates uncertainty for local governments, as the designated high-risk areas can change, and they usually do. This bill aims to improve the program's stability and strengthen partnerships with at-risk cities by allowing the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office to select STC cities based on their preparedness capabilities rather than UASI designations. The bill, Mr. Speaker, also establishes performance metrics, enhances oversight of expenditures, and requires DHS to report to Congress on program participation and any further changes. Mr. Speaker, I applaud Representative Carter's leadership on this measure. I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 1374, and I reserve the balance of my time.”