Bennie Thompson

His refusal to ensure the integrity of our elections by leading on this issue from the White House sends the wrong message to our adversaries.

The President needs to fill positions critical to U.S. National security.

This is an unprecedented situation with real consequences for the Department.

TSA administrator and deputy secretary of Homeland Security are not part-time jobs.

This is completely unacceptable, and such a decision would raise serious Constitutional questions.

It has been 203 days since the Department last had a confirmed Secretary.

This committee must take its responsibility to oversee the Department of Homeland Security seriously.

Also included was my Air Cargo Security Improvement Act, which will evolve TSA's cargo security efforts by reestablishing a dedicated cargo security office.

Among them was my bill, the TSA OPEN for Business Act, which will improve the agency's partnership with small businesses, ensure procurement activities are open to all, and diversify the marketplace.

A year after enactment, it seems appropriate to look closely at the Transportation Security Administration's implementation of the TSA reauthorization legislation.

I have served on the Homeland Security Committee since its inception.

I commend Chairman Richmond for holding today's hearing.

Thank you very much. Good afternoon. I would like to thank Chairman Richmond for holding today's hearing on emerging cyber threats.

Nefarious actors developing and using biological weapons on American citizens is a huge threat.

Our National security is not a bargaining chip, and the President cannot negotiate away policies that will secure our supply chain.

From our vantage point in Washington, you are doing exactly the kind of work that we envision the rest of the country should do and we encourage that.

Ms. Underwood has fought to make sure the boots on the ground have the resources they need and a seat at the table.

Election security requires a whole-of-government, Federal, State, and local, effort to protect America's elections.

The Federal Government, especially Congress, must understand the resource constraints of local election officials.

These tragedies not only senselessly take innocent lives but do so much to inhibit focus and learning by invoking fear and anxiety among students, faculty, and staff, alike.

It has been 20 years since the Columbine High School massacre, where 13 people lost their lives, and schools remain vulnerable to attack.

I want to take a moment to specifically thank Lauren Hogg and Max Schachter for being here today.

Gun violence must be addressed both inside and outside of schools to really improve the safety of children in America.

The threat to our students continues. During the first half of 2019, there were 22 school shootings.

I am glad this hearing can build upon the school safety field hearing this subcommittee held last year in New Jersey.