"it is our job, as Congress, to ask you how much does it cost for you to implement mandates that we are passing."
"A disruption or attack at one of our Nation's largest ports could be catastrophic, and we need to make sure we 'push the borders out' by conducting as much of CBP's cargo inspection and screening work..."
"I am also concerned that DHS has not made any efforts towards improving container screening."
"We are all painfully aware of the economic transition that has occurred in our country."
"the first and foremost responsibility of the Federal Government is to provide for the common defense."
"Congress needs to be able to justify to the American people that our border is tangibly more secure as a result of that spending."
"I have called this hearing today to examine how DHS can use off-the-shelf, innovative Department of Defense technology and hardware to address the needs of the men and women who are charged with secur..."
"Either we are a Nation of laws or we are not--it is just that simple."
"I continue to be a strong supporter of Secure Communities, a program that removes thousands of dangerous criminals from our streets every year."
"Securing the Nation's border is one of the principal responsibilities of the Federal Government."
"It is well past time that we come up with a plan to secure the border instead of sending signals that make gaining and maintaining operational control even more difficult."