Homeland Security Act Of 2002 Amendment

Floor Speech

Homeland Security Act Of 2002 Amendment

Madam Speaker, as a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2611, which will amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the Securing the Cities Initiative of the Department of Homeland Security. This legislation will implement a unified strategy and provide the technology for defending New York City, Long Island and surrounding areas against radiological and nuclear threats.

I would like to acknowledge Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Thompson for their leadership in bringing this important bill to the floor. I would also like to thank my colleague Congressman King, who authored this important legislation.

H.R. 2611 amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize appropriations to the Director of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the Securing the Cities Initiative. The Initiative uses next generation radiation detection technology to detect the transport of nuclear and radiological material in urban areas by terrorists or other unauthorized individuals. As the representative of one of the largest ports in the nation, Long Beach, I so pleased to support this initiative.

In conclusion, Madam Speaker, I support this bill because it is another step to making our cities and ports as safe as we possibly can. The Securing the Cities Initiative is a critical national capability to detect the dangerous introduction of nuclear and radiological material.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 2611.

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