Jon L. Christensen: “it is with great pride and a sense of hope for the future that I rise in strong support of H.R. 1, legislation which…”

“it is with great pride and a sense of hope for the future that I rise in strong support of H.R. 1, legislation which fulfills an important promise we Democrats made to fully implement the 9/11 Commission's recommendations. Before continuing, I want to commend the Honorable Bennie Thompson on his ascension to the chairmanship of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Congressman Thompson served as a first-rate ranking member of the committee during the last Congress, and I look forward to working with him and our now Ranking Member King to further strengthen our Nation's security. Mr. Speaker, it has been a matter of great consternation that today, 5-plus years after 9/11, our first responders still do not have the capacity to communicate consistently with each other during emergencies. H.R. 1 will create a national Emergency Communication Plan and a stand-alone emergency communications grant program that will finally provide first responders with the kind of standards and equipment they need. Another provision that has been long fought for is 100 percent inspection of cargo on passenger planes as well as 100 percent screening of containers bound for this country and improved explosive detection systems at passenger checkpoints at our Nation's airports.”