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On the Issues: Homeland Security

Homeland security

Our Nation must continue to improve the security of our airports, seaports, borders, utilities, and communications by investing in research and new technology.  Not only will investing in research and new technology make our country safer, it also will make security procedures more convenient and less intrusive on the rights of our citizens.  It is crucial that we maintain the delicate balance between security and preserving the constitutional rights of our citizens. 

Immigration

The present immigration and border control system has many flaws.  We must tighten our immigration system, speed up processing for those who follow the rules, and do more to prevent fraud and abuse. 

Congress must work together with the Obama Administration and local governments to repair our broken immigration system.  I firmly believe that only significant reforms that address the full breadth of the problems we are facing will provide last change. A comprehensive approach will repair the process used by immigrants to legally enter the country and become legal citizens; will repair the process used by immigrants to legally work in our country where that is appropriate; and will address the massive backlog of visas for families with loved ones abroad.  

Border and Port Security

Most importantly, Congress must provide our immigration services with the personnel and resources they need to effectively do their jobs and secure areas where our borders are porous because these areas can be exploited by criminals and terrorists.

In light of lessons learned from the September 11 terrorist attacks and other catastrophes such as Hurricanes Katrina, Gustav, and Wilma, Americans have learned the critical need to prepare for, respond to, and recover from man-made and natural disasters. The potential of terrorist attacks or natural disasters is a tragic but continual threat for our country. Congress has appropriated over $29 billion for homeland security assistance to states, urban areas and critical infrastructures (such as ports and rail systems) since the September 11 attacks, and we must continue to look at the best ways to ensure effective border security and disaster preparedness.

First Responders

Preparing our Nation to effectively deal with the next terrorist attack involves fully funding first responders, such as police officers, fire fighters, and EMT’s.  Congress must help cities be prepared in the event of another terrorist attack.  First responders are often the first line of defense against terrorist attacks and natural disaster response.  When every locality in our country has a strong front line of first responders - fully funded, trained, and equipped – our Nation can effectively prevent future attacks and save many lives.

I am pleased that the Obama Administration has reprioritized our first responders, a reversal of the Bush era policies to cut investments in law enforcement and other first responders.  We have an obligation to the American people to make investments in first responders now before it is too late. I will not give up this fight until all emergency responders receive the essential support they need to protect our communities.

Related links

There are four main federal agencies charged with securing the United States’ borders. Feel free to visit these sites and learn more about our national security.

http://cbp.gov/
The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which patrols the border and conducts immigrations, customs, and agricultural inspections at ports of entry

http://www.ice.gov/
The Bureau of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which investigates immigrations and customs violations in the interior of the country

http://www.uscg.mil/
The United States Coast Guard, which provides maritime and port security

http://www.tsa.gov/
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which is responsible for securing the nation’s land, rail, and air transportation networks.