Issue Position: Homeland Security

Issue Position

It is important that we sufficiently protect our citizens within our borders and keep out those that would do us harm. Homeland Security is not just protecting our borders and screening the cargo that comes through our ports. It also includes providing adequate training and equipment for our first responders -- police, firemen, and emergency medical personnel. These courageous people work on the frontlines, often entering into uncertain situations.

On January 27, 2009, I re-introduced H.R. 706, the National Urban Search and Rescue System Act. The bill is also sponsored by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management.

H.R. 706 would consolidate the authorization of the National Urban Search and Rescue program and place its authority in one section of the Stafford Act. This will help ensure that the Urban Search and Rescue can competently and proficiently respond to a wide range of natural disasters.

Further, the bill would ensure Urban Search and Rescue Task Force members are given secure uniform workers compensation and tort liability protection under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, which currently provides such protections to activated National Guard and reserve members.

The National Urban Search and Rescue System comprises of various task forces across the nation specializing in rescue and recovery from natural disasters including hurricanes, earthquakes and various other emergencies, both national and local. There are currently 28 task forces nationwide, including Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 1, based in Memphis.

I am working hard to provide additional funds for our first responders. I also believe those serving in our military should consider a career as a first responder after they finish their military service. To encourage more veterans to consider a career as a first-responder, I am working toward creating a smooth transition process for them.

On June 24, 2009, the House passed H.R. 2892, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations for 2010. This legislation will fund the U.S. Department of Homeland Security along with providing crucial funding for the U.S. Coast Guard and border security efforts. The bill also continues a number of important federal grant programs to help local firefighters, police offices and emergency personnel have the training and resources they need to carry out their important role in our community.

The House included my request to increase national funding for the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Nonprofit Security Grant program by $3 million. The Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Nonprofit Security Grant Program is aimed at providing local communities with funding support to increase security at nonprofit organizations -- such as hospitals and national landmarks -- that are considered to be at high risk for terrorist attacks.

Memphis is home to a number of important facilities including the Med, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and other great hospitals and research facilities. The Urban Areas Security Initiative Nonprofit Security Grant program is an important program that helps fund support for the not-for-profits that are vital to our communities' ongoing security and safety. Memphis will be able to compete for a greater share of Homeland Security dollars.

During the 110th Congress, I was also a co-sponsor of H.R.1 - Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007. The bill puts into action the recommendations that the 9/11 Commission released in July 2004. For all of the talk about making our country safer, it is unfortunate that it took two and a half years and a change in Congressional leadership to pass the 9/11 recommendations. H.R. 1 provides for:

* Greater distribution of homeland security grants for states and high-risk urban areas based on risk of terrorism, while still ensuring that all states have funds available for basic preparedness. Each state is guaranteed a minimum of .375 percent of funds in FY 2008 to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorist attacks, scaling down to a minimum of 0.35 percent in 2012.
* $1.8 billion authorization for FY 2008 to assist states and high-risk urban areas in preparing for terrorist threats; $400 million authorization for Emergency Management Performance Grants to assist states in preparing for all-hazards, and $400 million annually beginning in FY09 for interoperable emergency communications -- all as part of an overall effort to ensure that all states have basic capabilities to prepare for and respond to both man-made and natural disasters.
* A dedicated interoperability grant program to improve interoperability at local, state, and federal levels.
*More than $4 billion over four years for rail, transit, and bus security grants.
$250 million annually for airport checkpoint screening, $450 million annually for baggage screening, and $50 million annually for the next four years for aviation security R&D.
100 percent screening within five years of maritime cargo before it's loaded on ships in foreign ports bound for the U.S. Secretary of Department of Homeland Security may extend deadline by two-year increments.
*Screening of all cargo carried on passenger airplanes within three years.
Protection from lawsuits for people who in good faith report what they believe is terrorist activity in and around airplanes, trains, and buses.
*Stronger security measures for Visa Waiver Program, which allows travelers from select countries to visit the U.S. without a visa, through creation of a new Electronic Travel Authorization system and improved reporting of lost and stolen passports.
*President to publicly disclose the total amount appropriated for the intelligence community. After the next two fiscal years the President may waive the disclosure requirement only if it would harm national security.

Additionally, I voted for H.R. 4986, the Defense Authorization Act, which provides an additional $980 million to reset the National Guard and Reserve, money that is much needed because of the prolonged conflict in Iraq. The bill also directs the Department of Defense (DoD) to report on the state-by-state capability of the National Guard to respond to homeland missions, such as disaster response.

Source