Brian Higgins

The one thing you know in a zero-sum game is that the sum will always be zero.

Finding this balance is difficult and according to the director of the National Security Agency, General Keith Alexander, these Classified programs have been successful.

I am pleased to hear that the Office of Management and Budget is heading a 120-day review of the Federal clearance process.

I am introducing the S.A.F.E. Schools Act, legislation that will require States applying for State Homeland Security Grant funds to certify that their schools have emergency plans that meet the standards recommended by the 2010 Commission…

I encourage each member of the panel to review this report to determine whether your State meets each of the four criteria.

I am proud to say that New Jersey is one of the few States that includes these four criteria.

However, every day we are reminded of the work still that needs to be done.

In 12 years, we have made significant improvements in our preparedness capabilities--from planning to communications to operational coordination.

I also want to thank the first responders for their heroic efforts.

I would like to thank Chairwoman Brooks for holding this hearing, and giving the subcommittee the opportunity to learn more about the National state of preparedness.

At what point does the Arab Muslim civilization take responsibility for their own future?

U.S. credibility is on the line. You get yourself involved in a quagmire that really creates a long-term insurgency.

I write today on behalf of The Jewish Federations of North America to applaud you for scheduling tomorrow's hearing on the 'Al-Qaeda Threat.'

It is astonishing that even though the United States has eliminated much of their senior leadership and one of its most effective recruiters, the group can still have the capability to conduct attacks against the United States.

Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula moves fast and recognizes targets and opportunities for recruitment and exposure.

The United States has attempted to make strides to diminish al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula's terror capabilities, but the threat from this organization remains.

According to the director of national intelligence al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula is the greatest immediate threat from a terrorist group in the United States.

America's credibility is on the line in Syria, that America's credibility is on the line in Syria. Really?

There is no good military option for the United States.

The situation in Syria is that of a national civil war. It is sectarian, and it is ethnic.

Given the recent revelations of deaths and infection disease outbreaks, it is incumbent on this committee and the Congress en masse, to ensure that the VA has proper management and accountability structures in place to stop the emerging…

I want to thank you for holding this very important hearing, and I commend the committee's commitment to making the health and safety for our veterans a top priority.

The situation in Syria is that of a national civil war, an ethnic and sectarian conflict that America cannot solve and should not try to.

That Bashar al-Assad used chemical weapons I think is clear, compelling, and irrefutable.

How can first responders be first preventers if they don't have the critical information and resources?