The radicalization of Muslim youth in the United States poses a direct threat to the security and safety of our homeland security.

Corruption is a daily fact of life in these states.

I appreciate that, but on my own behalf I will take the eyewitness account of our agent over the Zetas who have been apprehended any day.

There is a war going on, as you know, and it seems to me our agents should be armed, if we are going to put them down there in harm's way.

I want to first express my sympathy to the family of Agent Zapata and, as know you do as well, in the survival of Agent Avila, which is nothing short of a miracle, given what happened down there.

I think that is critically important. You know, in my State of Texas there is really almost zero technology down there.

I looked at the--it has CBP decrease the border security fencing, infrastructure, and technology account by $300 million.

I know President Calderon is in the United States, and it is probably a good time to talk to him about that.

By introducing such draconian cuts, these proposals could jeopardize our Nation's first responders and firefighters and substantially hinder our National emergency response infrastructure.

I hope that we can work to restore funding and I look forward to working with DHS and my colleagues on possible solutions to address cutting funding for this essential program.

I just want you to know that on both sides of the aisle the committee, obviously, our thoughts and prayers go out to them.