Political Quotes

“I have no further speakers, and I am prepared to close. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Thompson, Ranking Member Rogers, and Congressman Bacon for bringing this bill to the floor. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 504, to improve DHS' coordination and information-sharing activities with State and local fusion centers across the country, thereby making the homeland security intelligence enterprise more robust. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. Miss RICE of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 504, which passed the House on suspension last Congress, would help ensure that fusion centers throughout the country have access to the resources necessary to keep our homeland safe and secure. By directing the Department to develop a strategy for its fusion centers, the bill seeks to enhance DHS' overall ability to fulfill its core mission. Additionally, H.R. 504 would ensure that DHS' information-sharing policies include strong privacy and civil liberty safeguards. Regardless of the target or the underlying ideology behind a terrorist plot, State and local law enforcement entities need a clear line of communication with their Federal counterparts. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 504, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore.…”