Conference Report on H.R. 1, Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007

Floor Speech

CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 1, IMPLEMENTING RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE 9/11 COMMISSION ACT OF 2007 -- (Extensions of Remarks - August 04, 2007)

* Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Conference Report on H.R. 1, which implements the findings of the Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, also called the 9/11 Commission Recommendations. Passage of this legislation keeps another promise made by the new Democratic Majority and makes clear that the safety and security of our families, our communities and our country is a top priority.

* This Conference Report makes critical investments necessary to improve our homeland security. The timing is critical--a recent National Intelligence Estimate stated that al-Qaeda's network has been able to restore their capability to launch another attack on our country. H.R. 1 will both better protect Americans from terrorism, and improve our ability to combat dangerous threats abroad. It implements the 9/11 Commission recommendations and is supported by the 9/11 families, as well as a vast majority of Americans.

* H.R. 1 takes action on issues ignored by previous Congresses. It requires 100 percent scanning of containers bound for the United States and 100 percent screening of cargo on passenger aircraft. Recognizing that not all travel is aviation, the bill also authorizes $4 billion for security grant programs to improve the safety of mass transit, buses, and freight and passenger rail.

* Passage of this legislation will also finally ensure that our firefighters and police officers can communicate with one another in an emergency. H.R. 1 provides the resources necessary to ensure this communication by establishing a communications interoperability grant program. It also includes strengthens state and local intelligence fusion centers--which have been established to make sure state and local responders are receiving security-relevant information from Federal agencies.

* Recognizing the importance of prevention, this conference report also includes strong provisions to reduce the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, strengthens efforts to prevent terrorists from traveling, and strengthens security measures for the Visa Waiver program. It also includes efforts to improve the reputation of the United States abroad and to reduce the appeal of extremism. This legislation promotes opportunities for educational exchange, invests in diplomacy and promotes long-term strategies to improve democracy and human rights around the world. Restoring America's reputation as a leader and a positive partner in the international community is the most effective tool we have to prevent further terrorist attacks.

* This bill makes our Nation safer. I urge my colleagues to support it, and the President to sign it.

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