Bill Pascrell: “today represents a very important step to ensure that Congress truly begins to exercise a robust, judicious, and intense…”

“today represents a very important step to ensure that Congress truly begins to exercise a robust, judicious, and intense oversight of the Department of Homeland Security. Our committee has been called on to defend our ports, our infrastructure, our neighborhoods, indeed our families. We have risen to the challenge. Indeed, this first-ever authorization bill, H.R. 1817, will begin an annual ritual to critically examine the Department of Homeland Security and its effectiveness in securing our Nation. Oversight is germane to our mission. It is an austere and sober undertaking, to be sure; and it should be. This Department was formed because of the disastrous terrorist attacks of September 11, and its mission is to help prevent and respond to any potential future assault. I commend the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox) and the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson) for their leadership in undertaking this process. I understand the pressures that were faced in trying to complete this inaugural authorization, and our chairman has had to navigate a difficult course. Make no mistake, there are provisions within this bill that will make very good public policy. The creation of an Assistant Secretary for cybersecurity within the Department is a wise measure to help combat a very real vulnerability.…”