Cord Byrd: “Is this administration serious or is it not serious about homeland security? Is it serious or is it not serious? We have…”

“Is this administration serious or is it not serious about homeland security? Is it serious or is it not serious? We have heard all this talk--or is it mere talk? Is it just rhetoric? Is it rhetoric without resources? Let me say again, Congress, the Senate, has asked the administration, the Department of Homeland Security, for a list of its vulnerabilities. How would it spend the $823 million? We say to the Secretary of Homeland Security: How are you going to expend the moneys? What are the vulnerabilities? Tell us. The moneys have been sitting there unspent for how long? Ten months? What are the vulnerabilities? Tell us. We are the elected representatives of the people. The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security wasn't elected by anybody to the current position he holds. I have great respect for former Governor Ridge, but what are the vulnerabilities? Let us see your list. To date, no list. The Department has not responded.”