Jon L. Christensen: “I rise today in overwhelming support of H. Res. 1038, recognizing the fifth anniversary of the Department of Homeland…”

“I rise today in overwhelming support of H. Res. 1038, recognizing the fifth anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security and honoring the Department's employees for their extraordinary efforts and contributions to protect and secure our country. As a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I am proud to work side-by-side with DHS on keeping our Nation secure. We have come a long way and it is hard to believe that so much has been accomplished in 5 years. For certain, consolidating 22 different agencies has been extremely challenging as it is the first act of its kind. The Department now employs more than 200,000 workers in its efforts to keep the Nation secure. Although there are many issues to still be resolved, and there always will be, I commend Secretary Chertoff and the DHS employees for their success in preventing another terrorist attack, thus far, and intercepting terrorists plots. My colleagues and I remain committed to working on ensuring that the agency has the support and resources it needs to continue to get the job done. One of our top priorities and concerns has always been staff morale. We believe that the employees are the backbone of the agency and that the agency is a reflection of its employees' approach and outlook toward their job. Their continuing efforts are crucial to the security of our Nation in the years to come.”