Chairman Thompson Leads Effort to Authorize the Department of Homeland Security
May 9, 2007 – Today, Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, issued the following statement regarding passage of H.R. 1684, FY 2008 Department of Homeland Security Authorization Bill:
“After two years of failed promises and little action, Democrats have succeeded in passing a Homeland Security Authorization bill. This bill marks a tremendous accomplishment by giving the Department of Homeland Security the resources, accountability, and authority needed to finally become the Federal agency that Congress envisioned and the American people deserve.
“Democrats will not stand for the status quo when it comes to our nation's security. Since the creation of the Department, qualified leaders have been few and far between, disasters have turned into catastrophes, and waste, fraud and abuse have run rampant, all while those in charge turned a blind eye. Today, we bring focus to the shortcomings hampering the Department’s ability to function and uphold our promise of protection to the American people,” said Chairman Thompson.
Specifically, H.R. 1684:
*Reinstates critical funding for the first responder programs like the State Homeland Security Grant program and FIRE Act grants.
*Gives the Inspector General some sharper teeth to investigate disaster response and border security programs.
*Strengthens the integrity in the agency’s contracting practices and promotes small business opportunities.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Please contact Dena Graziano or Todd Levett at (202) 225-9978.
