Joe Wilson: “it is a great honor to rise in support of H.R. 5005, the Homeland Security Act of 2002. I commend the majority leader…”

“it is a great honor to rise in support of H.R. 5005, the Homeland Security Act of 2002. I commend the majority leader, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey), for his excellent service and the members of the Select Committee for the bipartisan nature in which this bill was put together. I also commend the President for his leadership in working for the establishment of the new Department. My perspective, indeed, is as the only member of the Army National Guard serving in Congress at this time, and I have had the privilege as a member of the South Carolina National Guard to work with the community agencies and with the different first responders for other natural disasters that have occurred in our country. In particular, I have worked with the situation of recovery from Hurricane Hugo which struck our State. It was an extraordinary experience, but working together we were able to recover in our State and ensure domestic tranquility. H.R. 5005 will ensure that our communities and first responders are prepared to address all threats.”