The Committee on Homeland Security will come to order.

I believe that to be the greatest threat to the homeland here.

However, horrific acts should not spur unwise reactions, and we must thoroughly examine the realities of military intervention in this civil war.

We cannot resolve the underlying military conflict with our military.

My concern is any strike against this regime, as bad as it is, will empower these radical Islamists, these extremists.

There is no good outcome here.

The harm to individual communities resulting from a chemical incident, the destruction suffered at the local level can be devastating.

Chemical facilities that are not run with the utmost care are a liability to everyone.

I thank the Chairman for holding this important hearing on a tragedy that occurred in my home State of Texas.

What is even more disturbing is that West Fertilizer was just one of literally thousands of similar-situated facilities across the country that DHS has no knowledge of.

We look forward to receiving these reports, and to working with you to help secure our Nation against the risk of terrorism.

Like many still grieving their loved ones, I would like to see changes made to the policies related to hazardous material regulation, use and tracking.