(Washington D.C.)- The Democratic House of Representatives today launched their 100 Hour Legislative Agenda by approving a measure that would implement the 9/11 Commission Recommendations designed to make America safer. Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations - H.R. 1 - won passage with bipartisan support passing on a vote of 299 to 128. U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) voted in favor of the measure and was an original co-sponsor. According to a Gallop/USA Today poll, 62 percent of the American public support implementing the 9/11 recommendations [10/06].

"Implementation of the 9/11 Commission's recommendations is long overdue," said Levin.  "Congress must be on high alert in our efforts to support our first responders, secure our borders, and stop terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction. The ability of first responders to communicate with each other is of the utmost importance and this legislation makes it a top priority by establishing a stand-alone interoperable communications grant program.  As we know in Southeast Michigan, all communities within this metropolitan area play a critical role and we must ensure they have the resources to upgrade their systems."

"This legislation significantly increases Michigan's share of state homeland security grants by making the grants more risk based. By ensuring that Michigan and other higher risk states are receiving their fair share of federal counter terrorism dollars, we are focusing our resources on high-threat areas where the risk from terrorist attack are greatest," concluded Levin.

One result of the current funding formula is that states at low risk of terrorist attack receive far more money per capita than states at much higher risk from terrorism.  For example, under the current formula, Wyoming received $18.06 per capita in Department of Homeland Security grants in 2006 while Michigan, whose border crossings are the busiest on the northern border and conduct about $450 million in trade every day, received $5.13 per capita.

Under this bill, most states would be guaranteed a minimum of 0.25 percent of Homeland Security grant money, down from 0.75 percent.  Eighteen states that have international borders, including Michigan, would get a higher guaranteed amount of 0.45 percent of the total.  The rest of the money would be distributed based on the Homeland Security Department's assessment of risk and need.

The Democratic Bill Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations

IMPROVING HOMELAND SECURITY
- Significantly increasing the share of state homeland security grants provided on the basis of risk
- Creating a stand-alone grant program for interoperable communications for first responders 
- Phasing in a requirement of 100% inspection of air cargo over the next 3 years
- Quickly accelerating the installation of in-line explosive detection systems for checked baggage
- Mandating strategic plan for deployment of explosive detection equipment at passenger checkpoints
- Phasing in a requirement of 100% scanning of U.S.-bound shipping containers over the next 5 years

PREVENTING TERRORISTS FROM ACQUIRING WMDs  
- Improving U.S. non-proliferation program, and creating a U.S. Coordinator for the Prevention of WMD Proliferation and Terrorism and a blue-ribbon commission to recommend further reforms
- Strengthening efforts to eliminate nuclear black-market networks

In 2004, the 9/11 Commission submitted 41 recommendations to the Administration and Congress on improving homeland security, preventing terrorists from acquiring WMD, and developing strategies from preventing the spread of Islamic terrorism. Many of these have only been partially implemented, and some have not been implemented at all. In December of 2005, the 9/11 Commission released its final report card giving the Administration and Republican-controlled Congress poor grades in implementing its recommendations.

Throughout the week, the House of Representatives will continue to pass the Democratic Majority's 100 Legislative Hour Agenda that includes increasing the minimum wage, expanding stem cell research, allowing negotiation of lower prescription drug costs, cutting the interest rates on student loans, and ending subsidies for big oil and investing in renewable energy. Last week, the House approved an aggressive ethics and rules reform package aimed at restoring the integrity, civility, and fiscal responsibility of Congress.

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