Homeland Security

Homeland Security

MAKING AMERICA SAFER: CLOSING THE SECURITY GAP

For most Americans, national security is personal security. Homeland security is a top priority for me. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) and through my work to strengthen border security, I will work to make our homes and country safe.

STRENGTHENING SECURITY AT OUR BORDERS AND PORTS

Since September 11, 2001, we have asked the U.S. Coast Guard to lead the nation's efforts to secure 95,000 miles of coastline and 361 ports while ensuring the flow of commerce. Millions of cargo containers enter the U.S. and travel through our communities every year. Currently, less than three percent of cargo containers entering ports are checked to determine their contents. The Coast Guard plays a key role in inspecting ships, carrying cargo, ensuring that no weapons of mass destruction are contained along with legal cargo. And as a parent, I sleep better knowing that the Coast Guard prevents $7-10 million worth of illegal drugs from hitting our streets and schools.

Our ports and Coast Guard need the resources to enhance homeland security. The Coast Guard estimates that it needs to spend 1.1 billion dollars over the next year to implement port security plans; yet, currently budget plans fall short.

In addition to supporting legislation that has increased the number of border patrol agents, customs agents and immigration inspectors, I have worked closely with the new Department of Homeland Security to ensure that its officials understand the importance of sending more agents to our common border with Canada and improving the NEXUS program. These security improvements will help prevent drug smuggling and potential terrorists from entering our country, while improving the speed and efficiency of good traffic across the border.

KEEPING OUR COMMUNITIES SAFE
Long before homeland security became part of our national vocabulary, our local police officers and fire fighters were in the homeland security business. They deserve the tools necessary to continue their work to keep us safe.

Federal assistance necessary to enhance our local enforcement is under fire. I am fighting now to preserve the primary source of federal funding that local law enforcement uses to rid our communities of drugs and put drug dealers in prison. I am leading the effort to keep cops on the beat. Your local communities use the COPS program to put more law enforcement officers on the street, yet this critical safety effort is facing a critical funding shortage.

Taken together, the effort to put more police on the street and keep drugs off of our streets face a 30 percent cut.

OUR FIGHT AGAINST THE METH EPIDEMIC
As co-chair of the 100-member Congressional Caucus to Fight and Control Methamphetamine, I am working to increase the federal support for local efforts to stop the use and production of meth. Unfortunately, this problem is on the rise, especially in Washington state. Several studies released by the Office of National Drug Control Policy list the I-5 corridor as a "veritable pipeline into the Pacific Northwest" for meth. In 1999, police in our state raided 790 meth labs. In 2001, 812 labs were seized in Washington state, and in 2002, 1,213 labs were raided by law enforcement. Click here for more information.

As a leader in Congress on this issue, I am fighting for increased federal funding that will go to our local police officers and sheriffs. Over the last two years I have brought $7 million in federal funds back to Washington state for the Washington State Methamphetamine Initiative. This money will help cities and counties continue to help their communities win the fight against meth.

http://www.house.gov/larsen/issue/security.shtml