It is inconceivable that the Department of Homeland Security does not have a consolidated headquarters where the Secretary can meet with the component heads instantaneously.

I was a vocal supporter of the DHS consolidation plan when it was first presented.

While doing so, we must also protect against violating the privacy and civil liberties of the American public.

During times of heightened security concerns, like those we currently face in light of the potential threat ISIL poses, there is a tendency to cast aside privacy concerns in favor of security at any cost.

I believe this is the first time we had an FBI director before the committee to testify.

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

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, Madam Chairwoman.

I thank the gentleman from Colorado for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H. Res. 696. This rule would provide for consideration of a supplemental appropriations bill that clearly demonstrates its Republican authors…

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.

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.

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.

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

I am pleased to be here today as an original cosponsor of this legislation, the National Cyber Security and Critical Infrastructure Protection Act. This bipartisan legislation gives the Department of Homeland Security Congressional…

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.

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.

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

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