Bennie Thompson

Technology must be both proven and cost-effective if DHS is to avoid repeating past mistakes yet again.

Make no mistake--I do not oppose the use of technology to secure our America's borders.

I wholeheartedly agreed with Secretary Napolitano's decision not to continue to deploy SBInet.

The claim that prisons will generate scores of terrorists spilling out into the streets of our cities--the position described at the opening of this paper--seems to be false, or at least overstated.

If prisons were a cause of jihad radicalization, even a weak cause, then the country would be rife with terrorists.

I am writing to strongly urge you to reconsider holding the narrowly focused and reckless hearings planned by the Committee on Homeland Security.

We urge that each of you heed our call and the calls of all Americans who share our dual vision of ensuring our security without violating our values.

Today's terrorists do not share a particular ethnic, educational, or socioeconomic background . . . The most effective means of identifying terrorists is through their behavior--not ethnicity, race or religion.

There are too many people sympathetic to radical Islam.

This committee is setting a dangerous precedent in treating one religious group different than another.

Restricting this hearing for the consideration of radicalization of American Muslims and not equally of other groups is wrong.

The narrow scope of this hearing is discriminatory, and it is an abuse of power.

I vehemently oppose the narrow approach this committee is taking in this hearing.

It's the American thing to do.

The number of active hate groups in the United States topped 1,000 for the first time and the anti-Government movement has expanded dramatically for the second straight year.

I urge the Chairman to hold a hearing examining the homeland security threat posed by anti-Government and white supremacists groups.

I am particularly troubled that much of the current vitriol has been directed toward the President and the First Lady.

I want to take a moment to thank Chairman King for agreeing to my request to invite Rep. Dingell and Sheriff Baca.

As we consider the possible domestic effects of our actions, we must also consider the possible effects abroad.

I urge you, Mr. Chairman, to hold a hearing examining the homeland security threat posed by anti-Government and white supremacist groups.

We live in troubling times. I have heard concerns that today's hearing will stoke a climate of fear and distrust in the Muslim community.

We must be vigilant that our words and our actions do not inflame.

We cannot give this lie a place to rest.

I think that is asking a bit much of Mr. Jones.

I think people would reasonably expect 6 months or a year after the emergency you come back.