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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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…

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

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

I want to assure you that on this side of the aisle we will work with you in addressing the issues.

The issue of border security you have a particular interest in and expertise in.

I ask that you do what you can to make sure that DHS does get the intelligence it should be getting.

We also look forward to working with you on that.

We want to congratulate you on your appointment. We look forward to your service in office.

Other legislators and observers prefer a different approach, as reflected in bills introduced by Representative King of New York.

There is no evidence that she's qualified.

There is no evidence that she's qualified, and I'm not saying you have to be a politician or to have held office to be a United States Senator, but you have to be somewhere in the public arena.

There are too many mosques in this country.