Lincoln Diaz-Balart: “House Resolution 600 is a closed rule allowing for the immediate consideration of the Homeland Security Act of 2002. The…”

“House Resolution 600 is a closed rule allowing for the immediate consideration of the Homeland Security Act of 2002. The rule provides for 1 hour of debate, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Select Committee on Homeland Security. The rule further provides the minority the opportunity to offer a motion to recommit. Mr. Speaker, this Chamber first acted in July to make the President's goal of a Department of Homeland Security a reality. However, we were not able to send a bill to the President's desk because the other body failed to act. After months of inaction and gridlock, President Bush has been instrumental in forging a compromise between Democrats and Republicans in order to pass legislation for the creation of the Department of Homeland Security as soon as possible. I am pleased and honored by the opportunity to take to the House floor today this historic legislation to create the Department of Homeland Security. The security of the American people is the primary function of the Government of the United States. The creation of this new Department to coordinate all security activities on behalf of the American people is of the utmost importance. It has been a high priority for President Bush, and I am pleased to bring it to the floor of the House of Representatives. Since September 11, 2001, we have been working to rebuild our Nation, not only our bridges and our buildings, rather, but our sense of security.”