Wicker Backs 9-11 Reforms to Strengthen Homeland Security

WICKER BACKS 9-11 REFORMS TO STRENGTHEN HOMELAND SECURITY

Congress is advancing legislation developed from recommendations by the 9-11 Commission to protect our homeland against future acts of terrorism. This far-reaching reform effort is designed to give law enforcement and intelligence officials more tools to safeguard the American people and improve anti-terrorism measures.

The House of Representatives and Senate passed differing versions of the 9-11 Commission Implementation Act earlier this month. A conference committee has been appointed to work out differences in the two measures and produce a final package.

IMPROVES INFORMATION SHARING
Both the House and Senate bills would create a National Intelligence Director (NID) to oversee intelligence-gathering activities and serve as the principal adviser to the President. The 9-11 Commission and Congressional leaders agree that a critical component of any reform effort is ensuring greater information sharing among intelligence and law enforcement agencies. The new director will place special emphasis on detecting, preventing, pre-empting, and disrupting terrorist threats and attacks against the United States.

In my opinion one of the most significant provisions in the bill is dramatically increased border security, and criminal penalties would be stiffened for individuals who support and cooperate with terrorist organizations. The bill contains provisions targeting money laundering and other terrorist financing operations.

PRESERVING MILITARY INTELLIGENCE
The legislation is also important for what it would not do to the management of intelligence information within our armed forces. One of the recommendations by the 9-11 Commission involved shifting control of Defense Department intelligence-gathering programs to the new NID office. I shared concerns raised about the effect this change might have on the ability of our armed forces to perform their missions.

Maintaining real-time access to the latest intelligence information from spy planes, satellites, and human sources on the ground is an essential element of our national defense. This capability was a key factor in our recent victory in Samarra, Iraq, and important to efforts to defeat insurgents in Fallujah. In an approach differing from the Commission, the House version would ensure that our military commanders continue to control the wide-ranging intelligence resources under the Defense Department's jurisdiction.

MORE AGENTS, INCREASED TECHNOLOGY
Besides doubling the number of border patrol officers and tripling immigration enforcement personnel, the bill would enhance airline security. The current passenger pre-screening system would get an overhaul making it easier to identify suspected terrorists. Advances in identification technology will be used to make it more difficult for terrorists to falsify identity papers.

The critical role of our first-responders is also acknowledged in the bill. New procedures would be employed to expedite delivery of federal resources to help equip and train local and state law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, and firefighters.

DRAMATIC STEPS ALREADY TAKEN
Congress and President Bush have already taken dramatic action to protect our homeland and combat terrorism since the tragic events of 9-11-01. Creation of the Department of Homeland Security has brought the resources of more than 20 federal agencies under one roof. The nation's transportation systems have been safeguarded, Project Bioshield is developing vaccines to counter a chemical or biological weapon attack, and passage of the USA Patriot Act has given law enforcement officials new tools to stop terrorists before they can act.

The Commission deserves great credit for its comprehensive work in recommending new steps to help prevent another strike on American soil. After more than 20 committee hearings and bipartisan cooperation in drafting legislation, these reforms reflect a strong commitment to closing security gaps that could be exploited by terrorists in the future.