Homeland Security
Keeping America safe is our most important duty. During the 113th Congress, we are continuing our efforts to strengthen our Nation’s security infrastructure, borders, and ports; provide our first responders the resources and training they need to do their jobs; and improve our ability to prepare and respond to disasters.
Strengthening Our Infrastructure
The Department of Homeland Security is primarily responsible for protecting the Nation's borders to prevent crime and administer lawful travel and trade. I welcome President Obama’s efforts to dedicate the necessary resources to strengthen border security and improve our investigative resources. Today, there is double the number of Border Patrol agents on the ground since 2004, in addition to new unmanned aerial capabilities covering the entire Southwest border.
Yet, more needs to be done. A new GAO report highlights remaining challenges to security along the U.S.-Canada border, which has been historically neglected in comparison to the Southwest Border. The Northern Border encompasses over 4,000 miles and spans across 12 states, including Michigan. We must continue to improve and strengthen our resources on the Northern Border, including investments in additional Border Patrol agents, technology, and infrastructure.
Local Law Enforcement and First Responders
Our local police, firefighters, and those who serve in the National Guard are the front lines in our fight for real security. We must be diligent in ensuring all of our law enforcement agencies have the latest technology equipment and resources they need, which is why I am a long-time supporter of funding for local law enforcement.
By strengthening the federal commitment to public safety, we provide state and local law enforcement the ability to hire new officers, acquire up-to-date crime fighting technology, combat violence against women, and fight internet crimes against children.
Emergency Preparedness and Response
In border states like Michigan, it is especially important that our first responders have the ability and means to communicate to prepare for and appropriately respond to a disaster, natural or man-made. It is therefore critical that we provide them with the tools to communicate seamlessly and the resources to get the job done.
Advances in technology for first responders greatly benefit our communities: police officers, firefighters, and medical technicians are able to do their jobs more efficiently and respond faster to emergency situations; local governments save money thanks to improved efficiency and technology sharing across communities; and our communities are safer and better-served.
(Updated January 3, 2013)