Political Quotes

“I support the creation of a new Federal Cabinet Department of Homeland Security. Therefore, I shall vote for H.R. 5005, but I have major reservations about many of its provisions that I hope will be corrected in conference. It is important to let the process move forward. I agree that we need to consolidate our existing agencies that have homeland security and counter-terrorism functions by creating a new Department with the primary mission to prevent, disrupt, and respond to terrorist attacks. I believe that Congress will enhance the national security interest of the United States by creating this new Department of Homeland Security. The security and safety of the homeland and its citizens is perhaps our greatest responsibility. I am very disappointed that the House rejected several amendments that could have strengthened this legislation--amendments that would have subjected this new agency to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), civil service rules, whistleblower protections. The House also rejected amendments that would have stricken the delay in implementing explosives screening for baggage at our airports, as well as an amendment that would have clarified the liability immunity for homeland security contracts. In each of these areas, I am hopeful that the conference committee will modify these provisions. We also have to ensure that many of the agencies that would be included in this new department not lose sight of their original missions.”