Bennie Thompson

We have to rely more in this phase, new phase, of this war with terrorism on the State and locals, and they can't do it without financial help from the Federal Government.

I hope we do not fall into a pattern of reaching conclusions before all the facts are known.

We must recognize that small businesses and others that suffer an economic loss due to a terrorist act should not have to shoulder the burden alone.

I guarantee you that if we fail to act, we will be discussing this issue again.

It is critical that every dollar TSA spends goes toward technologies and services that work and make our transportation systems more secure.

With the budgetary constraints we face today it is critical that every TSA dollar, every dollar TSA spends, goes toward technologies and service that work and make our transportation system more secure.

Unfortunately, 5 years later, and despite being bound by the FAR, challenges remain with TSA's procurement activities.

As a Member who has conducted extensive oversight of TSA's procurement practices, I appreciate the Chairman's desire to take a close look at how TSA spends taxpayers' dollars.

Well, one of the things, we put 22 agencies together and we inherited the culture of some of the legacy agencies who were a little more mature versus the new kids on the block, and so we see the legacy agencies kind of being the…

Any effort to reduce duplication and downsize programs must not result in leaving the United States vulnerable.

Eliminating duplicative programs is a common-sense approach to saving scarce Federal funds.

I would also like to thank the witnesses for appearing to testify on our efforts to counter the threat from a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear attack.

We are here to discuss ways to secure cyberspace and critical infrastructure from hackers while assuring that Constitutionally-guaranteed privacy and civil liberties are safeguarded.

At this point, I'd like to say that I agree with Democratic Leader Ms. Pelosi's issue with respect to cyber, particularly critical infrastructure. And I look forward to working with Chairman McCaul on submitting legislation. With that, Mr…

Who has the right to close? The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Mississippi has the right to close.

While I am not opposed to the amendment, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time in opposition. The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection.

Madam Secretary, I understand that. All I am saying is either it was presently under CFACS or it wasn't.

Well if you would provide it to the committee in writing, I think that would be most helpful.

Absolutely. One of the challenges that we identified a number of years ago, spoke with interoperability.

So you can do your job with the money?

As authorizers, we bear a special responsibility to make sure that the Government is working to prevent attacks like the one that happened on Monday.

I would like to know how this proposal relates to plans to extend the pre-clearance program to Abu Dhabi, UAE.

I have some serious reservations about some of your proposals.

I understand that you have a very difficult job.

I am concerned about the lack of progress on many of the fundamental problems that have plagued your agency since its inception.