Political Quotes

“I thank the distinguished ranking member, and I really thank the chairman for his comments. I don't want to give a whole historical perspective, but I've certainly been on the Homeland Security authorizing committee since 9/ 11. I am quite familiar with the technologies and various changes in aviation travel in particular, and we've made great strides. We have certainly made great strides, but here is my point that I think is crucial: How long are we going to continue to count on heroic, if you will, passengers and continue to cite them as great heroes until the day of some tragic and horrific incident? We thank the American traveling public for what it has done to thwart a number of incidences, some of which, obviously, are not terrorist- directed but which do impact on the traveling public's security while airborne. Air marshals are the frontline support and defense in a vessel, if you will, in an aircraft that, if tampered with airborne, can be a catastrophe of enormous proportions. Air marshals are, in essence, a crucial part of the security of this Nation. If we are to literally obliterate them by the $50 million reduction, you will see a reduction in mission, what offices will be ultimately shut down, FAMs personnel being furloughed for a minimum of 4 days, and civilian personnel gone. I don't deny that we can look to be responsible fiscally and that we can find ways that will streamline. I happen to believe that $50 million is too drastic a cut and should be restored.…”