Thomas Daschle: “I think it has been documented now in most of the newspapers and media that the terrorist cells which exist have…”

“I think it has been documented now in most of the newspapers and media that the terrorist cells which exist have produced information that would cause us to be concerned that some of these cells and some of these networks have weapons of mass destruction that they certainly intend to target towards the United States. There is no question they have made every attempt to acquire these weapons over the course of the last several years, and if they have been successful, I think it is a reasonable assumption the United States would be the first to experience those attacks. That is why it is so critical for us to do all we can to prepare for whatever possibility there is that these weapons could be used against us. We are not there yet. We have a lot of work to do to create the kind of infrastructure required to provide the maximum degree of safety for all Americans. We don't have that today. Director Ridge has indicated he is prepared to ask for additional resources next year. They have acknowledged that additional cost could entail upwards of a $200 billion commitment in homeland defense resources. But if we are going to require $200 billion, what is wrong with taking the first installment, $7.5 billion, and putting in place at least the foundation of this new homeland defense infrastructure? We have to do it. We know we have to do it. Why do it responsively in reaction to incidents that have occurred? The time to do it is now, before these new incidents occur.”