Political Quotes

“I thank the author of this bill, the gentlewoman from Texas, who first saw the importance of it. I want to tell you that this measure before us today strengthens the Terrorist Screening Database maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and in doing so, aids in our efforts to combat terrorism and keep our Nation safe. The FBI's Terrorist Screening Center helps to identify known and suspected terrorists by integrating information collected by law enforcement and the intelligence community. Since its inception in 2003, this sophisticated watch list and screening system has undoubtedly saved lives; but despite the work of the dedicated individuals who make the screening database possible, the system is not flawless. Past incidents, such as the 2009 Christmas Day attempted attack on a Northwest Airlines flight bound for my hometown of Detroit, already mentioned by the gentlewoman from Texas, has put a spotlight on potential gaps in the system. {time} 1400 Over the years since, the FBI has made significant improvements to the database. Audits by the Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General reveal movement in the right direction; but, to date, no independent review has been conducted to evaluate the sufficiency of these changes. H.R. 4240 addresses this precise issue by directing the Government Accountability Office to conduct a review of the operation and administration of the Terrorist Screening Database.…”