I cannot tell you how many times a company, mainly small businesses, comes to me and complains about how difficult it is to work with S&T.

I hope the committee will take these matters seriously as we learn how the Directorate will carry out its strategic plan, management directives, and operational programs going forward.

Despite this funding, interoperability remains a concern for State and local homeland security directors, public safety officials, and first responders.

As a former volunteer firefighter, I know that interoperable communications can save lives.

These communication problems are not new.

I hope to learn how we can keep essential personnel and train them in light of severe budget cuts.

Without objective measurement tools, I question how S&T will be able to continue to develop security solutions.

The equipment is fine, absolutely. I have seen it rust on military bases for years.

Regardless of whatever you hear on the news or you see on TV, Republicans and Democrats can work together to better protect our people in this country from threats.

We have got challenges right now in protecting our people, our infrastructure, and also making the point to Congress that we need more investment here in this region.

We must be careful to stick to the facts. We must not overstate, nor overreact to the threat we currently face from Iran.