A Powerful Coalition

Floor Speech

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Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman, my dear friend from Georgia, for the time.

   Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1073, the Critical Infrastructure Protection Act.

   Over the past decade, our Nation has seen an unprecedented expansion in the use of electronics, Mr. Speaker. These electronics have transformed our economy, our homes, our families, and, really, the way we do business and have become an integral part of our daily lives.

   Unfortunately, this technology is also susceptible to new types of potential threats, threats that have been talked about on this floor by not only Mr. Franks, but also our friend, Mr. Carter, and others.

   Today electromagnetic pulses, known as EMPs, could dramatically disrupt electronic activity and severely damage our electrical grids and everything that stands under those grids. Examples of EMP threats include those generated from a geomagnetic solar flare, from a terrorist short-range missile, cybersecurity attacks, or from a physical assault on a utility or a power plant.

   The Critical Infrastructure Protection Act that we are talking about today and that we hope to pass is an important first step towards protecting our Nation from potential catastrophic nationwide blackouts.

   I would like to recognize Frank Gaffney, the president and founder of the Center for Security Policy. Frank has provided the leadership not only by meeting with me, but also working with Mr. Franks and hundreds of other Members to let us know not only about this important critical infrastructure policy need, but also to make sure that we educate and spread awareness to not only our constituency, but other Members of Congress, regarding the new types of potential threats and occurrences, such as an electromagnetic pulse attack, that could dramatically alter our way of life.

   I would also like to recognize, as I have previously done, our leader in Congress on this issue, my dear friend, Arizona Congressman Trent Franks. Mr. Franks and I have spoken about this issue for years. We have worked hard with the chairman of Homeland Security, as well as leadership in this House, to make sure that we accomplish this legislation now.

   Ultimately, the Critical Infrastructure Protection Act is simply the first step towards getting the U.S. closer to protecting ourselves from a potentially catastrophic nationwide blackout. It is simply the first step, Mr. Speaker. I know this will begin a national dialogue, a dialogue that needs to take place and that has already been begun by such leaders as former Speaker Newt Gingrich and former Vice President Dick Cheney.

   Mr. Speaker, I applaud the House today for taking up this important legislation, ask that my colleagues pay attention to understand this bill, and vote for it because support and passage of H.R. 1073, the Critical Infrastructure Protection Act, is important to the American people and our way of life.

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