I think you have to get your team to follow the instructions of Congress. That is real important.

We are fortunate to have Members representing border districts--one on the Northern Border and one on the Southern Border--leading the discussion today.

Any significant disruption to the agriculture industry there... would have devastating rippling effects throughout the State and the Nation.

That is why I have worked hard to advance programs that improve the National capability to prevent--and mitigate the impact of--biological events affecting agriculture.

I represent a district in Mississippi where agriculture is the No. 1 source of income.

Earlier this Congress, this subcommittee heard from the Federal Government in detail the roles that the Department of Homeland Security takes in its mission to secure information networks and provide resilience, not only to Government…

What I do find appalling is that the Department official ultimately responsible for both acquisition and human resource management at DHS is not appearing today.

Cyber insurance is a way to share risks so when a cyber data breach event occurs, the insured company receives a payment to compensate for the losses.

I know I hear from many of the main-street businesses in my District when I hold meetings on cyber--that many are struggling with their cybersecurity efforts.

The Government Accountability Office has found that DHS has made little progress in implementing its Human Resources Information Technology Investment (HRIT).

It is not shocking that the subject of today's hearing is another acquisition failure at the Department.

We don't hire people in the Senior Executive Schedule to be babysat.

Over the past 7 years, President Obama has been very involved on the issue of protecting critical infrastructure.

It is penny-wise and pound-foolish to make such cuts even to these effective programs.

I appreciate Mr. Payne and Ms. McSally's efforts to continue those efforts.

To be honest, I want to make sure that I am just not hearing another hearing for another Congress, saying the same thing.

I have grown frustrated that we seem to be having the same hearing over and over again.

I find it remarkable that today I sit here with a new Subcommittee Chairman asking many of the same questions I was asking 3 years ago.

Under this new law, most individuals who have visited Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Sudan in the last 5 years would be ineligible for visa-free travel.

I co-sponsored H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act, authored by Representative Candice Miller.

This committee has a long-standing, bipartisan interest in strengthening the Visa Waiver Program.

This comprehensive legislation, which was signed into law by the President on December 18, seeks to strengthen passport security requirements.

I was pleased when we were able to reach common ground on a carve-out for certain individuals who traveled to the 4 countries for diplomatic or military service.

it is important that we as Federal policymakers embrace facts, not fear.

With proper vetting, we should continue to welcome vulnerable populations to this country, including Syrian refugees.