Frank Lautenberg: “with this amendment to the Homeland Security appropriations bill, I want to see if we can improve in some measure the…”

“with this amendment to the Homeland Security appropriations bill, I want to see if we can improve in some measure the terrorist threat warning system that we have in place and make sure that it is working as it is intended. I believe the current homeland security advisory system--the colorful tiered alert system--does little to reassure the public they are safer as a result of these warnings. Based on reports I get from first responders in my State and experts throughout the country, I believe this advisory system must be reevaluated and improved. The amendment simply calls for a report from the Department of Homeland Security within 90 days of the passage of this bill evaluating how effective the terror advisory system is in meeting its goals. We are all familiar with this program. There are five levels, ranging from low risk to severe risk. You can see on the chart this color-coordinated presentation. The Department has color coded each risk level to make it easy to understand. However, I don't believe this color war against terrorists is working.”