Issues > Improving Homeland Security
The first responsibility of any national government is to protect its people. Our homeland security needs are constantly changing, however, which means that we must remain vigilant.
In the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the 9/11 Commission recommended several key actions to improve the security of the United States. Unfortunately, many of these recommendations still haven’t been enacted, leaving our nation open to possible attacks. That’s why I strongly supported what I believe is an important step to improve our homeland security: H.R. 1, the Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act.
This legislation, which was signed into law by the President on August, 3, 2007, is evidence of Congress’ commitment to fully implement all of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations. Specifically, this bill improves terrorist monitoring efforts, including those to keep weapons of mass destruction out of terrorists’ hands, and strengthens security through increased aviation and cargo monitoring. The bill also provides for the risk-based allocation of Homeland Security grants and creates a unified communications system and command plan for first responders, as well as improving the ability of intelligence organizations to share information. All terrorist attacks start out as local events and therefore, local responders need the equipment and training to effectively cope with these situations.
It is simply ludicrous that many of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations have been ignored to this point. It is time that we take domestic security seriously and I believe that this law does just that by providing support where our Department of Homeland Security needs it most.
An important part of strengthening our homeland security is strengthening the security of our borders. To read more about what I have done to strengthen border security, click here.
Currently, only 5-6% of containers deemed "high risk" are actually inspected. This means that nearly 95% are not, leaving open the possibility that a nuclear, biological or chemical weapon could be smuggled in one of them. In its report, the 9/11 Commission noted that 90% of the funds provided to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) had gone toward aviation security. The Commission noted that while commercial aviation remained a target, terrorists could turn their attention to other modes of transportation and that opportunities to do harm are as great, or greater, in maritime and surface transportation.
As mentioned above, H.R. 1, the Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act of 2007, includes several provisions designed to improve our homeland security, including increased cargo monitoring. Specifically, the bill requires all cargo shipping containers that enter the U.S., either directly or through a foreign port, to be scanned and sealed. Before they are loaded on a ship in a foreign port, containers must be scanned for radiation and density, as well as for atomic elements, if appropriate. H.R. 1 requires that these scans be given to U.S. government officials. The bill also requires scanned containers to be sealed with the best available technology, including technology that will detect and identify the time of breaches.
There is already evidence that a 100% scanning requirement for shipping containers is workable, as demonstrated by the Integrated Container Inspection System now at two Hong Kong ports. Since 2005, each container that has entered those ports has been scanned for radiological material and dense objects. These scans have been conducted without causing delays. Requiring the scanning of all cargo placed on U.S.-bound ships will close a critical gap in our efforts to enhance transportation security.