Kay Bailey Hutchison

The plot that unfolded on Christmas Day just shows that the defense of our homeland from terrorists is dependent on information collection and sharing, intelligence analysis, and the vigilance of our security personnel.

Do we have the tools now to communicate, completely and effectively, without bureaucratic mumbo-jumbo, between intelligence sources and security forces?

I believe there were legitimate concerns about Mr. Southers, and I think those concerns deserved to be investigated.

I don't know how you improve security. I don't know how you put in better machinery.

We need to look at expanding the number of known or suspected terrorists and their associates who are placed on screening lists.

Doing nothing is not an option.

We are at war with terrorists and extremists who mean us harm.

It's a real shame. It's a real shame.

Do you have all of the authority to do what needs to be done?

After the Fort Hood incident, it would seem that there would be a deep look into everything that might be associated or connected with that particular cleric.

The question is, Where does the buck stop? Who's accountable for that?

The Christmas Day terrorism incident is a bleak reminder of the ever-evolving nature of terrorist threats against the United States.

I do think that the first efforts in that regard are very, very good.

Could I ask you though, don't you have an emergency authority as well?

So that's our question to you.

Let me say first of all, that we must acknowledge how safe overall our aviation system is.

I am very concerned along with Senator Rockefeller.

Will you reserve the capability, if you see something that can be done on a more expedited basis, on a temporary measure obviously to act?

But we now must act.

However, as we all know, the Colgan Flight 3407 is weighing on our minds.

Cost must be an issue, must be the issue.

The huge Government takeover of health care is not going to lower health care costs.

I secured an amendment that increased the number of U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers by 275.

I welcome your views on how we can meet our resource needs along the Nation's land borders, water borders, and airports.

While we have made great strides since 9/11 in improving transportation security, the Department of Homeland Security faces ever-evolving threats.