Homeland Security Science and Technology Authorization Act of 2010

Floor Speech

* Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4842, the Homeland Security Science and Technology Authorization Act of 2010, which authorizes important management functions and programs within the Department of Homeland Security Science &Technology (S&T) Directorate.

* I would like to acknowledge Speaker PELOSI and Majority Leader HOYER for their leadership in bringing this important resolution to the floor. I would also like to thank my colleagues Chairman THOMPSON and Congresswoman CLARKE, who authored this legislation, which represents a milestone for the S&T Directorate and the Homeland Security Committee. It is the first authorization bill for S&T since the Department was created in 2002.

* As Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response, I have been concerned about these issues. Through the Committee's years of oversight work, I have a great appreciation for not only S&T's strengths and successes, but also its weaknesses, which include a lack of accessibility, transparency, and responsiveness.

* H.R. 4842 addresses those weaknesses and acknowledges the importance of science and technology research, development, testing, and evaluation in ensuring the safety and security of the American people and our nation. This bill ensures that the Science and Technology Directorate has the right tools available to be successful, such as delivering products into the hands of our first responders, law enforcement officials, or critical infrastructure owners to help them achieve their mission and make America more secure. This legislation also authorizes critical management functions and programs within S&T, including the Securing the Cities program.

* In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I support this legislation because we need the very best science and technology available to defend the threats against our homeland. I am pleased that Congress and the Committee on Homeland Security are taking action to promote these improvements and adequately fund the areas of government responsible for science and technology research.

* Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 4842.

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