Bennie Thompson

I would like to thank the witnesses for appearing to testify regarding the Federal Government's efforts to identify foreign fighters in Syria and Iraq who may seek to travel to the United States to do our Nation harm.

Thank you very much, Chairman Miller, Ranking Member Jackson Lee. Thank you for holding today's hearing.

Thank you very much, Madam Chairwoman.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding this hearing on the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, and the radiological and nuclear smuggling threats it faces.

H.R. 4115 is a significant step in ensuring all of aviation security, not just that which is performed by Federal employees, receives the oversight necessary to protect the flying public.

Some on the other side of the aisle claim that transitioning to a contract workforce results in more efficient and friendlier screeners. This claim simply does not stand up to scrutiny.

AFGE strongly supports the Contract Screener Reform and Accountability Act introduced by Ranking Member Bennie Thompson and Representative Sheila Jackson Lee and Nita Lowey.

Indeed, in 2012, the platform adopted during the Republican National Convention called for the private sector to take over airport screening wherever feasible.

After 9/11 it was clear to the vast majority of Members of Congress and the Bush administration that transitioning to a Federal screener workforce was the right thing to do for the security of our Nation.

As the committee continues examine the homeland security implications of foreign fighting, it is important to revisit the facts that have lead us to this point.

Indeed, unmet needs at just our existing land ports total an estimated $6 billion.

Unfortunately, port of entry infrastructure and staffing has not kept pace with the demands of this robust travel and commerce.

On this committee, we are fortunate to have Members who represent districts on our Northern and Southern Borders and know first-hand the importance of having sufficient infrastructure and staffing at our ports of entry.

The establishment of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument influence the threat posed by transnational criminal organizations

I have no more speakers, and if the gentleman from Pennsylvania has no more speakers, I am prepared to close.

There is considerable controversy about how we treat the vast amounts of student data created in the education field.

It is irresponsible to attribute this crisis to one U.S. policy or for that matter, one U.S. President.

I appreciate her partnership and willingness to work together with me on important homeland security priorities.

I commend the Federal, the State, and the local enforcement on their success.

What should we, as Congress, look to for management issues from the QHSR since there will not be another Bottom-up Review?

Unless and until we pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform, our system will remain broken.

We cannot ignore the information sharing between Federal, State, and local authorities needs strengthening.

I cannot support any grant reform proposal until I am convinced that it would provide the support necessary to maintain terrorism preparedness capabilities.

I urge Members to oppose the administration's proposal to morph the Homeland Security Grant Program into an all-hazards grant.

I am pleased that the Department heeded the advice of the GAO and our Members.