Political Quotes

“today I am introducing the Securing Our States Act. As the tragic terrorist attacks of September 11 taught us all too well, our Nation is not as prepared for widespread emergencies as it should be. The legislation I am introducing today, Securing Our States Act, or SOS Act, will help make our Nation more secure by strengthening our first line of defense, the first responders in our States and communities. As the Presiding Officer is well aware, when a terrorist attack or other disaster occurs, it is the State and local police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel who are first on the scene. Nearly 2 million State and local police, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and others are closest to these challenges. They understand best what is needed to respond effectively, and they tell me they need improved training, more and better equipment, greater coordination, and more exercises. They need them as soon as possible. They are the ones who are always on the front lines when disaster strikes. Properly trained and equipped, first responders have the greatest potential to save lives and limit casualties after a terrorist attack. Currently, however, our capabilities for responding to a terrorist attack vary widely from community to community, State to State, across this great country. Many areas simply have very little capacity to respond to a terrorist attack.”