Homeland Security

September 11, 2001, changed Americans forever, whether you live in New York City or the Mississippi Delta.  When terrorists struck the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a plane over a field in Pennsylvania, the War on Terror was brought to our nation’s shores.  Today, we are a Nation vulnerable to a new and changing threat. This threat could be a weapon of mass destruction delivered on a boat in Vicksburg, a biological attack on our food supply or livestock in Yazoo City, or an attack on our highways or subways anywhere in the United States.

In response to 9/11, the federal government created the Department of Homeland Security to oversee our nation’s security here at home.  Congress created the Committee on Homeland Security to watch over the Department.  I am thankful to be serving you as the Ranking Democrat on the Committee and take my responsibility to protect Mississippi and America very seriously.

Unfortunately, there is much left undone in homeland security.  The Committee has found numerous vulnerabilities and gaps in the Department’s efforts to date to protect our nation.  Indeed, Hurricane Katrina made clear that our nation was not prepared to respond to a natural disaster, more less, a terrorist attack.   I want to make sure that those vulnerabilities and gaps are addressed and our nation is better for it. 

For example, our firemen, police, and emergency medical technicians, as the first responders when a disaster hits, must have the best equipment and tools to respond.  They also must be able to talk to each.  First responders throughout Mississippi and Louisiana can tell you about the challenges they faced during Katrina because of lack of resources and the ability to reach out to others.  Our skies must be secure.  I never want to see terrorists using our own airplanes against us again.  Our borders need to be protected from illegal entry by terrorists and other criminals.  Our ports, trains, highways, and critical infrastructure must be shored up and protected.  With avian flu spreading around the world, we must make sure that it does not spread in this country.

What has become crystal clear to me is that Homeland Security is neither a Democratic or Republican issue.  It is not a Black, White, or Brown issue. It is an American issue and we were all the subject of the hate of the 9/11 terrorists – regardless of political or racial background.  To that effect, I ask you to help me continue to make our nation a safer place by re-electing me so I can serve you in Washington as a Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security.