Friday, November 15, 2002
Washington, DC - Today Senate Governmental Affairs Committee
Ranking Member Fred Thompson (R-TN) applauded the filing of
cloture on legislation to create a Department of Homeland
Security. The Senate approved a motion to file cloture on the
Thompson amendment creating the new Department by a vote of 65
to 29. The vote to invoke cloture limits consideration of the
legislation to 30 hours, bringing the Senate closer to a final
vote on the matter.
"With this vote, we are one step closer to creating a
Department of Homeland Security. We have overcome significant
challenges to reach an agreement on this bill, and not a moment
too soon. This is a mission that is vital to the security of
this nation. We need only to pick up today’s paper to be
reminded of the threats facing our nation each day. We are
fighting an unconventional war on unconventional fronts and we
must act now, because the most important responsibility of this
government it to ensure the security of the American
people," said Senator Thompson.