Bill Pascrell: “yesterday congressional Democrats unveiled our detailed agenda to fully secure our Nation. Since 9/11, we have worked to…”

“yesterday congressional Democrats unveiled our detailed agenda to fully secure our Nation. Since 9/11, we have worked to make America safer, and we have attempted to work in a nonpartisan way, the record will show. Immediately after 9/11, myself and some Democrats were given the assignment to structure ways of improving our intelligence, aiding our first responders, and securing our infrastructure. And really it is unconscionable that some Republicans, some, have said that this party had to wait till yesterday to provide an agenda. I don't know where they have been for the last 4 years. This is absolutely unacceptable. We pushed for a Homeland Security Department. We wanted a secretary to sit at the table and be part of the Cabinet. The independent 9/11 Commission gave President Bush failing grades on America's preparedness. Dirty bombs and other deadly materials are still able to enter the United States through unsecured ports and airports. The administration has failed to meet the basic needs. Democrats have a plan. We will implement all of the 9/11 Commission recommendations. We will improve border security; invest in mass transit security; fully man, train and equip first responders; and we will screen 100 percent of the containers before they come into this country. Mr. Speaker, we will make America safer. ____________________”