Sam Gibbons: “turf,'' as everyone knows, is sacred in Washington, D.C., and the favorite parlor game in Washington D.C. is turf war.…”

“turf,'' as everyone knows, is sacred in Washington, D.C., and the favorite parlor game in Washington D.C. is turf war. Every Member of Congress, every committee and agency fights hard to maintain their turf; and I am concerned that turf battles may impede what is best for our Nation. This morning, I testified in support of H.R. 4660, a bipartisan bill to create a Secretary of Homeland Security and a Director to the National Office of Combatting Terrorism. This legislation includes three main points. First, it gives budget authority to those in charge of protecting our Nation's homeland. Second, it provides Congress the oversight we must have over this new office. Finally, this legislation will reorganize government to allow better information-sharing both vertically and horizontally. As we proceed, Congress must be mindful that the safety of the American people is more important than the power struggles of a few agencies or Congressmen. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join in this important effort, move beyond turf battles, and do what is right for the American people.”