Commending Homeland Security Department Employees And Anti-terrorism Partners

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

I rise in support of House Resolution 731, sponsored by my committee colleague Yvette Clarke, my good friend, and of which I am an original cosponsor.

September is National Preparedness Month, and I think it is fitting that we are honoring the men and women at all levels of government who work every day to ensure our safety and security.

We recently commemorated the eighth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. It is not a coincidence that there has not been an attack on the United States in the 8 years since September 11. It is through the efforts of the brave men and women at the Department of Homeland Security and their partners at all levels of government. We are thankful for the work of law enforcement and emergency response providers nationwide.

The recently foiled terrorist plots in New York, Dallas, and Illinois served to remind us that terrorists are still intent on attacking our country. We must remain vigilant and support our law enforcement and emergency response providers in their efforts. These hardworking men and women often work behind the scenes and do not receive the recognition they deserve for all of their efforts to prevent, prepare for, and protect against terrorist attacks, natural disasters and other emergencies.

Our constituents have a role to play as well. On the Federal level, the Department of Homeland Security's Ready Campaign works to increase awareness and preparedness for terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and other emergencies. The Ready Campaign encourages individuals and families to have a preparedness kit and a plan and to be informed of possible threats to their area.

In Florida, our Division of Emergency Management also encourages citizen and community preparedness. Through its Web site, floridadisaster.org, individuals and families can use a tool to develop a disaster plan that includes information on the necessary food and water to have on hand, evacuation points and other important checklists. This is an important resource and one that I urge my constituents to take advantage of to prepare their families.

Everyone has a role to play in the safety and security of our Nation. I want to thank subcommittee Chairwoman Yvette Clarke for introducing this legislation to honor the individuals working to secure our Nation and highlighting National Preparedness Month and the need for citizen preparedness.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to join me in supporting this resolution.

I reserve the balance of my time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source