[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 135 (Wednesday, October 10, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1843]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCING THE NATIONAL OFFICE FOR COMBATING TERRORISM ACT OF 2001

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 10, 2001

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce 
legislation to establish the National Office for Combating Terrorism 
within the Executive Office of the President. With more than three 
dozen different federal agencies tasked with countering terrorism, an 
umbrella agency with responsibility for coordination and communication 
is sorely needed. It is not enough for our government to be united in 
word. We must also be united in deed. If we are truly fighting a 
sustained and long-term battle against terrorism, then we must produce 
an efficient and effective system to wage a full-scale war.
  This bill, the House companion to legislation introduced by my friend 
and colleague, Senator Bob Graham, creates the National Office for 
Combating Terrorism under the direction of the President. This office 
has the responsibility for developing a comprehensive national strategy 
for the prevention of, and response to, acts of terrorism. This 
encompassing strategy will be known as the ``National Terrorism 
Prevention and Response Strategy.'' Priorities must be set, and clear 
and effective policies, goals and objectives must be delineated. This 
office will coordinate, oversee, and evaluate the implementation of 
this strategy, which will include joint efforts with both state and 
local governments to ensure clear communications. The National Office 
for Combating Terrorism will also have the responsibility for 
developing an annual budget for the national strategy, including the 
budgets of departments and agencies within the National Foreign 
Intelligence Program that deal with international terrorism. However, 
military programs and projects will not be incorporated into this 
budget. Personnel will be appointed by the President with proper and 
timely Senate confirmation.
  Mr. Speaker, the Bush Administration continually emphasizes the 
multifaceted front of this war on terrorism. Our military forces are 
stronger and better trained than the terrorist forces. Our economic 
livelihood is light years ahead of theirs, our intelligence network is 
more capable, and our resolve is more powerful. On all fronts of this 
war we have the upper hand. So let us make sure that our organization 
is more effective than theirs. Our counter terrorist agencies are 
making the right moves. Let us ensure that they all move in the same 
direction. I sincerely hope that my colleagues will work with me to 
ensure the passage of this important legislation. Thank you.

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