REP ANDREWS STATEMENT ON AIRLINE TERROR PLOT

The troubling news last week of the terror plot to blow up at least 10 passenger aircrafts flying from the UK to the US is a grave reminder that we continue to be engaged in a truly global war on terror.  It was described as possibly the largest single terrorist threat since 9/11, and reminds us that our work to protect and defend civilization against those who seek violence and chaos is not done.

British and American officials described the plan as a highly advanced and sophisticated plot that involved a large number of members and was international in scope.  I applaud British, American, and Pakistani officials for their diligent work in apprehending these thugs, and averting this tragedy.  However, our work is not done.

We must continuously improve our intelligence capabilities so that we can identify future threats like these.  Additionally, we must invest the proper resources into defending our homeland, particularly our nation’s transportation services including aircraft, trains, tunnels, and other vulnerable infrastructure.  Stopping the flow of nuclear, chemical, and biological is perhaps our greatest challenge.  A weapon of mass destruction in the hands of a terrorist has the potential to wipe out civilization as we know it. 

Finally, we must improve our efforts to convince people all over the world, particularly young Muslims, that our shared path of human freedom and dignity is far superior to the choice of death and destruction.  As a member of the House Armed Services committee, I will continue my work and determination to protect our great nation from the threat of terrorism.
 

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