Thompson Statement Supporting the Employees of DHS
(WASHINGTON) - On Wednesday, March 4, 2009, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security submitted the following statement in support of H.Res. 195, recognizing and honoring the employees of the Department of Homeland Security on its sixth anniversary for their continuous efforts to keep the Nation safe:
"As Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, it is an honor for me to join Mr. Bilirakis in recognizing the employees of the Department of Homeland Security on the sixth anniversary of the Department’s inception.
Since its creation, the Department’s mission has continued to grow and evolve. While the initial impetus for the Department’s creation was the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11th, the Department has since grown into an agency that is charged with not only protecting us from terrorism, but also protecting us from dangerous goods, emerging threats, and coordinating response to catastrophic incidents.
Despite a host of challenges and repeated internal reorganization, the Department’s employees have worked tirelessly to ensure continued security for all Americans. Their dedication in the face of frequent internal adversity is to be commended.
The Department’s employee workforce represents hundreds of occupations, from scientists to emergency managers to border patrol agents to economists. And, although the make-up of the Department is diverse and employee responsibilities are plentiful, all of its employees are united in carrying out the Department’s mission to protect the American people, reduce the risk of terrorist attacks, and enhance the Nation’s preparedness and response capabilities.
I pledge to them, that I will continue to work to ensure that employees have the necessary resources and training to do their jobs. These dedicated individuals should also be afforded with full protections and rights that are given to other employees in the federal government.
As the Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, I have repeatedly challenged the Department’s senior leaders to make the Department a top-notch agency. I believe that the Department’s workforce cannot be taken for granted.
With the change in leadership at DHS, there is a real opportunity to improve morale by investing in the men and women that help keep the nation secure. I look forward to working with Secretary Napolitano and the rest of the Department’s leadership to make sure that they get the training, resources, and support that they need.
I urge my colleagues to support the resolution and thank the men and women who make up the Department of Homeland Security for their constant vigilance and commitment."
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Please contact Dena Graziano or Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978
