Bonnie Watson Coleman

I want to talk to you a little bit about surface transportation issues because I am always very concerned about that.

We need TSA to continue to be a leader in aviation security and invest in leading technologies that would keep our transportation system safe.

Last week, there was this report about a potential conflict of interest between staff at the Department of Homeland Security and a computed tomography contract that was awarded.

We are best positioned to know what TSA needs and, without question, TSA needs us to enact H.R. 2514, Funding for Aviation Screeners and Threat Elimination Restoration (FASTER) Act so that it can receive the funds necessary to procure…

I just don't think we are up to snuff anyway on any level as it relates to surface transportation issues.

Last week, New Jersey said its final good-bye to a tireless advocate, dedicated leader, and wonderful man who just happened to also have been our Governor. Brendan Byrne, our two-term Governor, never let the weight of his office bog him…

Education is supposed to be the great equalizer, but instead of investing in our students, Republicans, through their tax scam, are attempting to widen that equality gap. Young people want to pursue higher education, and Republicans want…

This is a very important hearing that we need to explore from various levels, from what is happening when you are in prison, how do you divert from the prison, and what do you do on the way out?

I say that has to do with the enforcement of the law against discrimination, and we ought to be more diligent and vigilant in that.

I do have some questions.

Next week is the fifth anniversary of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Just over 2 months ago, a mass shooter took the lives of 58 at a concert in Las Vegas; and 31 days ago, Sutherland Springs, Texas, was changed forever. But…

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

the new CWMD office raises similar concerns.

One of the types of far-right extremism that is particularly concerning to me has to do with the anti-abortion movement and their willingness to engage in very dangerous actions to express their position.

I had tremendous pause when I read the report on black identity extremism and its threat to law enforcement.

Despite Charlottesville and all the other harms inflicted by emboldened white nationalists, the FBI has instead, chosen to target a group of American citizens.

I ask that the leadership of each component and office for the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice be reminded that our enemies are not of a particular race, religion, ethnicity, or political persuasion.

This administration continues the same vile tactics used in well-documented stories of civil rights leaders who were profiled, targeted, and killed for insisting that black people receive equitable treatment under the law in a country…

This FBI report will further inflame an already damaged police/community relation under the leadership of Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

So having said that, do you think that the President's tweets regarding the British Prime Minister's help further that cooperation or impair that cooperation?

We should be allowed to exercise our Constitutional and fundamental rights of free speech.

I particularly would like to acknowledge the president of our City Council, Mr. Zachary Chester, for being here this morning.

We are very grateful for the interest and focus of this committee and the subcommittee and very grateful to Representative Coleman for her efforts.

I would also like to thank Mr. Fitzpatrick for traveling to my district to join us as we seek to better understand how the Federal Government can partner more effectively and make our surface transportation and public areas more secure.

Thank you very much for your testimony, and thank you for emphasizing the need to be collaborative and to interact.