Homeland Security

No amount of Republican spin will hide the following: nearly five years after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the bipartisan 9/11 Commission gave the Republican-controlled government 5 "F's", 12 "D's", and 2 "Incompletes" for poor progress in terrorism prevention and readiness. In fact, just this weekend, the Republican Chairman of the 9/11 Commission said "We're not protecting our own people in this country. The government is not doing its job." Clearly the Republicans have been spending more time on rhetoric than producing results, whether it comes to port security, airline screening, or capturing Osama Bin Laden.

Democrats, however, have been fighting for tough, comprehensive policies that will protect America and restore our leadership in the world. Our Real Security Agenda provides a framework of forward-looking policies that addresses all aspects of our national security, from our homeland security to our energy security, and is a central part of how we plan to lead American in a new direction.

First of all, it took some good intelligence work and cooperation for the British Government to be able to cut this off before it actually happened. We have no idea as to what's going on out there or what should be done.

I was most pleased that New Yorkers realize that the world has changed. We just have to take these things in our stride. I'm amazed at all the people on the street who were interviewed who were willing to make all the adjustments that they'll have to make in traveling. But they know that there are a lot of mean people in this world.

It wouldn't surprise me if we aren't responsible for the creation of some of these mean people with our intrusions into Iraq. I agree with Secretary Rumsfeld when he said that we may be creating more terrorists than we're killing. For them to see what we're doing in Iraq is repugnant not only to Islamic people but to all people who look for justice and peace. The whole idea that Bush and others continually refer to "Islamic Fascists" - you know, they didn't call Hitler a "Christian Radical" or the KKK "Baptist Radicals!" To take a name like Islam and to attach an adjective to it is not well-conceived.

We need a strong border security bill before we leave.  I continue to hold out hope that we can kill the death tax.  We have to prioritize funding for our troops deployed around the world.

The foiled terrorist plot to commit mass murder using our airlines and our freedoms is a stark reminder of the constant need for vigilance in the war on terror. As we approach the fifth anniversary of 9-11, the terrorists have shown their ability to maneuver around the precautions we institute. We have to show the same ability to adapt to their endless capacity for fear, hatred, and death.  Today, I am very proud of the work of countless agents and first responders that thwarted this evil plot. And I stand ready to continue to work with these brave Americans to keep our homeland safe and secure.

Campaigning for Vermont’s sole seat in the U.S. House has brought me to all corners of our beautiful Green Mountain State. Vermonters expect a personal connection with their elected officials and I’ve listened to their concerns about health care, ethics reform, controlling the federal budget and homeland security. These are issues facing not only Vermont but all Americans.

My message of reform is resonating. Every poll has showed this race to be a statistical dead heat and the most recent independent poll has me leading my opponent by a narrow margin.

But the news today of a foiled plot to blow up airplanes in Britain should remind all Americans that our national security must remain a top priority for all of our elected officials. Read more...

The University of Miami Hurricanes are not the only hurricanes frequenting Florida recently.  In just the last two years, Florida has had to endure the devastation from eight hurricanes that severely impacted families, farmers, homes, businesses and schools.



This year, we already had one storm become a hurricane, though Hurricane Chris thankfully dissipated without causing any damage.  While hurricanes are an unfortunate reality, better preparation for natural disasters can help communities rebound quicker.



To help people prepare for this year's hurricane season, I sent a hurricane preparedness checklist to those in the communities I represent.



The effects of a natural disaster can be reduced if you are aware of the steps families should take before, during, and after any natural disaster.  It is also important that every family member know the local emergency phone numbers.



Ultimately, the federal government can only do so much. Florida is blessed to have local and state authorities who understand their roles and respond quickly.  By taking personal responsibility, individuals can better ensure that their families and neighbors are protected during natural disasters.

Hold fast to the House position on immigration.

Hopefully we'll get a border security/immigration conference put together. We're looking at the port security issue. We've done the FEMA issue, for which we'll hopefully get a conference.

Let's get a comprehensive immigration reform this September. We will have severe repercussions if we don't act. Also, we need to have earmark reform. We're going to consider a reform this September that's now separate from lobbying reform.

The hearings on Immigration Reform, which the House Republican leadership
has been conducting, are a farce.

The purpose is not to seek compromise or common ground on immigration
reform or security.  The hearings are a political show road to divide this
Nation and try to maintain an inept Republican majority in Congress.

As cynical as this is, it just confirms that the Republican majority does
not want solutions, it prefers to do nothing.