Bennie Thompson

A little more than 2 months ago, Administrator Pekoske testified before the full committee that 'the threat to international aviation is high and multiple terrorist groups remain intent on attacking our surface transportation systems.'

Members of the committee on both sides of the aisle agree that countering such threats demands enhancements to current security systems, including the deployment of innovative technologies such as computed tomography, or 'CT' machines.

Congress has charged the Department of Homeland Security with important responsibilities associated with taking on evolving threats to Federal networks.

These hackers show no signs of slowing down. Instead, their tactics are growing more aggressive and more sophisticated.

Over the past decade, hackers have breached networks across the Federal Government, including the State Department, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Justice, the Department of Energy, and the Office of Personnel Management.

This latest effort to use DREAMers as a bargaining chip to fulfill President Trump's fantasy of a closed immigration system and an unnecessary border wall is a new low for this administration.

Why would we spend billions on a wall in the desert while leaving our ports of entry vulnerable to human smugglers and drug traffickers?

Walls are no panacea for our border security challenges.

Spending billions on a boondoggle border wall to fulfill a campaign promise is a terrible use of American taxpayer money and bad border policy.

Rather than pursue the truth on behalf of the American people, House Republicans have waged an aggressive campaign to shut down Congressional and criminal investigations into Russia's attack.

House Republicans have chosen to put President Trump ahead of our National interests.

We cannot afford for a misguided, poorly-executed reorganization to undermine its ability to carry out its mission.

Without answers to these questions, it is impossible for the agency to justify potential disruptions.

Even the most well-intentioned reorganizations can have unintended consequences.

I have concerns about both.

Thank you for the opportunity to submit this testimony to the record of today's hearing on keeping our Nation safe.

Unfortunately, President Trump insists on fueling the fire of hatred and extremism in America calling marchers in Charlottesville very fine people.

James Clapper, the former director of national intelligence, called Trump's re-tweeting of the videos 'bizarre and disturbing'.

Americans should be able to look to our President for a steady hand and responsible leadership in uncertain times.

I would like to thank the Chairman and Ranking Member for holding today's hearing.

I have every confidence that the same will be true for cyber threat information sharing.

I think there is a demonstration, perhaps on the way somewhere with that in light of what happened in Australia.

Absolutely. If you would, check that out and get back to us.

I have introduced the Air Cargo Security Improvement Act of 2017.

Twelve years after Congress passed the law.