February 06, 2004   COLLINS PRAISES ADMINISTRATION'S EFFORTS TO COMBAT AGROTERRORISM Takes Steps to Implement Coordinated Response Plan   WASHINGTON, D.C.--Senate Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Susan Collins (R-ME) today praised the Administration for issuing a directive that "establishes a national policy to defend the agriculture and food system against terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies." Senator Collins held a hearing on agroterrorism in November 2003 and urged President Bush to take steps to address agroterrorism in his policy on critical infrastructure protection. "Our agricultural and food sectors remain vulnerable to terrorist attack," said Senator Collins, whose committee has jurisdiction over the Department of Homeland Security. "Even the threat of attack could jeopardize consumer confidence, disrupt commodity markets, and wreak economic havoc. "With dozens of federal agencies involved in responding to an agroterrorist attack, there is an urgent need to implement a clear governmentwide response plan. I'm pleased that with today's directive, the President has set such a plan in motion," said Senator Collins. According to testimony delivered at the Committee's hearing on agroterrorism, the agricultural industry is particularly vulnerable to attack because there is a lack of farm- and food-related security and surveillance; the disease reporting system is inefficient and passive; and veterinarian training tends not to emphasize foreign animal diseases. In November, Senator Collins sent a letter to President Bush urging him to coordinate the efforts of dozens of federal agencies that share responsibility for preventing or responding to an agroterrorist attack. In the event of a foot and mouth outbreak, for example, more than 30 agencies may be involved in the responding to the event. The President's directive is available online at http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/02/20040203-2.html.   ###   Printable Version   « previous Press Release next Press Release »   1998 - 1999 - 2000 - 2001 - 2002 - 2003 - 2004 - 2005 - 2006 - 2007 February 2004 Press Releases   February 27 - Senator Collins Reflects on Department of Homeland Security’s First-Year Accomplishments   February 27 - Collins, Lieberman Urge Budget Committee to Fund Key Coast Guard Project   February 26 - Senator Collins Praises Education Dept. for Creating Online List of Accredited Institutions   February 26 - GAO Agrees With Chairman Collins That Comprehensive Postal Reform Is “Urgently Needed”   February 20 - Senators Collins, Lieberman Comment on TSA’s Involvement in Obtaining Sensitive Airline Passenger Information   February 13 - Senators Call on TSA to Explain Its Role in Obtaining Sensitive Airline Passenger Information   February 13 - Senator Collins Comments on DHS Personnel Regulations   February 12 - Senator Collins: Defense Contractors Who Cheat on Their Taxes Must Be Held Accountable   February 12 - Senate, House Committees Release GAO Report On Federal IT Project Management   February 9 - Secretary Ridge Outlines Homeland Security FY ‘05 Budget Before Committee   February 9 - Chairman Collins Joins Senators Fitzgerald and Levin in Introducing Legislation to Reform Mutual Fund Industry   February 6 current Press Release   February 4 - Senator Collins Holds Hearing on Postal Reform   February 4 - Senate Approves Collins, Lieberman Bill to Provide Cutting Edge Counterterrorism Equipment to Communities
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 340 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510