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WASHINGTON D.C. -- Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Venice), a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, today issued the following statement during debate on H.R. 1, a bill to implement most of the remaining recommendations of the 9/11 Commission:
As I have said many times, terrorists won't check our party registration before they blow us up. The American people know this. And they expect us to protect them in spite of many barriers - personal, institutional, and political - that often gridlock the legislative process.
Mr. Speaker, keeping America secure is our sworn constitutional duty. This bill, which includes measures considered over the past two years by Chairman Thompson and the Homeland Security Committee, is important. If it becomes law, it will make us safer.
Let me highlight a few items.
First, a strengthened Privacy and Civil Liberties Board. Originally created as part of the Intelligence Reform Act of 2004, the Board is reestablished as an independent agency with subpoena powers and all five members are subject to Senate confirmation. That is a good thing, and something Speaker Pelosi urged as the Intel Reform bill was written.
Second, a greater allocation of Homeland Security grants based primarily on risk, rather than the "squeaky wheel" theory. My own District includes portions of LAX and the Port of Los Angeles. But other cities and States are also subject to significant risk - from obvious targets like New York and Washington, to smaller communities with nuclear or chemical facilities. Congress must direct its limited resources where threats are greatest, period.
Third, intelligence and information-sharing. I believe reforms at the Federal level are beginning to take hold - though I wish the Intelligence Committees in Congress would get budgetary authority, as the 9/11 Commission recommended.
HR 1 focuses on providing state and local first responders more of the intelligence tools they need. For example, it requires DHS to deploy officers to border state fusion centers, and permits state and local authorities to send detailees to DHS.
It is locals, after all, who will be most likely to know what's wrong in their neighborhoods. And so we must trust and empower them to act.
Finally, interoperable communications. I salute our colleague Representative Lowey for her persistence. Without interoperable communications, we won't have the ability to stop or respond to major attacks.
HR 1 is aptly numbered. It is this House's first responsibility. Vote aye.
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