Peter King

Again, not for the parochial interests of New York, but I just see our cities across the Nation being at threat because of this.

Rather than lose because of bookkeeping tactics, I would ask if you would be willing to meet with officials involved in New York City Secure the Cities program.

I would appreciate your thoughts on that, especially since, if we look at Europe, generally the attacks come from suburbs into the cities.

I just see this as being such a real threat to our cities.

I think there should really be a dedicated revenue stream.

I want to again commend you for reaching out, but again there are some real questions here which have to be addressed.

There is tremendous concern over this. I am certainly hearing from fire districts.

I believe that the combination of the first report and then the second report... certainly demonstrate we believe a weakness in the Department which has to be addressed.

I look forward to working with you to ensure that the Department has the resources it needs to execute all its missions, including to prevent and respond to the threat of terrorism.

I am disappointed, at least by reports of two actions that Janet Napolitano may be taking.

More Americans are at risk from terror attacks here than anywhere else in the world.

I do worry, just as Bruce does, about what is happening to kids in Minneapolis or pick another place.

I want to make it clear, it is my experience with the Bush administration, and I am sure it is going to--the Obama administration too--I don't necessarily foresee a homeland security problem, but human nature being what it is, I do know…

My concern, though, is putting in place a system which would work even if all of the actors, all the characters, are not doing their job perfectly.

I believe, even if there were a merger and the President had a strong working relationship with a homeland security adviser and that adviser could go to the President in times of emergency if they had direct access, it would work.

I don't think it is intentional at all, and that is what happens around here, unintended consequences.

I think Mr. Wood brought out what I see as the events and the emotion of the time.

And I hope to work with some of the protections that I think we need, because I am concerned about Mr. Wood.

I think it is worth taking an extra look to ensure that there isn't some punitive damages or non-economic damages, liability on the other side of this bill that might not be properly introduced into the language, so I want to protect the…

On September 11, 2001, terrorists carried out mass murder of innocent Americans on our own soil.

The bill would authorize Members of Congress to give flags flown over the Capitol to the families of firefighters, police officers and other rescue workers whose lives are lost in the line of duty.

I think it is particularly important that we have hearings like this, because for instance, just last week in New York, the New York Times said that we should not be talking about terrorism, that we shouldn't be scaring people.

I certainly look forward to the testimony today, especially Commissioner Kelly's, because he has brought the private sector so much into what has to be done in New York.

I want to thank you for your courtesy today and also for the great job you do as Chair.

I also want to emphasize again the importance of cooperation between all of the levels of government.