James Oberstar: “the proposal to create a new Select Committee on Homeland Security interestingly does not make any changes in the…”

“the proposal to create a new Select Committee on Homeland Security interestingly does not make any changes in the legislative jurisdiction of the committees outlined in rule 10 of the rules of the House. For instance, in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure we have handled complex aviation security issues for 28 years. We have held dozens of hearings, classified briefings on aviation security. We have monitored security at U.S. and foreign airports. We have passed landmark legislation like the Aviation Security Improvement Act of 1990 in response to the terrorism attack on Pan Am 103, and in the aftermath of the September 11, the Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2001. We have a great body of expertise on aviation security issues and the legislation to improve security. Now, I am puzzled that a moment ago the Speaker said the ``select committee will be our eyes and ears of the House. The standing committees will maintain their jurisdictions and will still have authorization and oversight responsibilities.'' Now I take that to mean that nothing in the package would deprive the House of the American people of the expertise of the committee and the members and staff of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.…”