Bennie Thompson

With every passing day, more injury is done to our economy and our standing in the world. The once unthinkable--a default on U.S. debt--is looking more and more possible. We must stand together and inject some rationality here and bring an…

The purpose of this hearing is to explore the possibility that American citizens may leave this country to join terrorist groups.

I thank the gentleman for yielding. Federal employees who return to work to help to respond to Tropical Storm Karen, the forecasted tornados, or any other disaster that strikes should be able to do that work with the peace of mind that…

I am not stepping away from the responsibility of this body to have comprehensive immigration reform now, now, and now.

We are long overdue with a comprehensive approach to immigration reform, which means that we would have such elements as a strong border security effort.

That is why I am an original cosponsor of H.R. 3141, a bill authored by Rep. Candice Miller, to again require DHS to deploy a biometric exit data system at ports of entry.

I am pleased the subcommittee is meeting today to examine the Department of Homeland Security's efforts to deploy a biometric exit system to record the departure of visitors to this country.

I remain committed to advocating for common-sense enforcement measures as part of a broader immigration reform package.

I challenge this committee... that we put on the floor of the House a comprehensive immigration reform bill post-haste.

We are long overdue for a comprehensive approach to immigration reform.

Given these high costs, particular attention must be paid to the success of these programs and, where problems exist--and it appears as if the Department is continuing to throw good money after bad--programs should be immediately stopped…

Since its inception, acquisition management has been a challenge for the Department.

Although they are on track to spend slightly less this fiscal year, the manner in which the Department utilized taxpayer funds to procure goods and services are of utmost concern.

Each year, the Department of Homeland Security spends approximately one-fourth of its entire budget on procuring goods and services.

This act is a critical first step to protecting children in schools.

I am encouraged that we are moving forward but I am not convinced that anyone believes we have done all we can to ensure that this Nation's cyber networks are protected and resilient.

As this Congress continues attempts to reduce funding for preparedness programs, we need to understand that these reductions have a direct effect on the ability of first responders to save lives during times of disaster and tragedy.

I was troubled to learn that 500 people remained in shelters a month after Hurricane Sandy.

For almost a decade, I have worked to improve disaster preparedness and planning for children and those with special needs and language barriers.

Terrorism Insurance Still Necessary to Foster Resilience

This kind of assurance is extremely important if we want millions of people who do not have health care to feel that they can trust this system and use it to get the care they need and the policies they can afford.

This undertaking requires the development of a 'Federal Data Services Hub.'

I should note that today, the Majority will bring their 41st vote to undermine and repeal the Affordable Care Act to the Floor of the House.

The sad part to me, however, is that even if we are able to control these stockpiles, Assad will continue to kill his people with conventional weapons.

I believe that the kind of briefings that you would get if you really pursued it is, do not let these chemical weapons get in the hands of terrorists.