[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 178 (Thursday, December 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2390]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E2390]]
                       UNITED STATES SECURITY ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 20, 2001

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Democratic 
Caucus' Homeland Security bill, the United States Security Act (USA 
Act).
  This legislation is a collaborative effort crafted by my democratic 
colleagues on the Homeland Security Task Force. I was honored to have 
served as the vice chair of the Transportation Security task force with 
my friend, Bob Borski, who chaired the task force.
  The USA Act addresses funding needs to improve our homeland security 
in the following areas: public health, transportation, physical and 
informational infrastructure, law enforcement and the military. As the 
attacks of the 11th clearly and unfortunately demonstrated, our nation 
is vulnerable to attack. This bill goes a long way to minimize those 
vulnerabilities.
  In the past five years--and prior to the 11th--there have been 
international events which highlighted potential weaknesses in our 
transportation systems. In Tokyo, Japan, individuals caused harm by 
releasing sarin gas in the subway system. The USGS Cole was attacked in 
a seaport that, although in Yemen, was considered safe. While these 
attacks occurred overseas, they could have taken place here in the 
States.
  With the passage of the Aviation Security Act earlier this year, 
significant improvements to aviation security were mandated. However, 
other modes of transportation could still be susceptible to attack. 
This legislation authorizes funds to secure bridges, tunnels, dams, 
seaports, rail, and public transit.
  Specifically, the bill provides $3.6 billion to strengthen bridge and 
tunnel structures, improve inspection facilities and the inspection of 
Hazmat materials on highways, supply the traveling public with real-
time information about availability roads and bridges if terrorist 
attacks were to occur again, and improve security for locks and dams. 
It also provides $992 million to enhance security at our seaports by 
increasing coast guard personnel, establishing a sea marshal program, 
requiring transponders for foreign vessels in U.S. waters, and 
screening ship cargo by x-ray. To improve security on transit systems, 
$3.2 billion is authorized. Funds would be used to hire additional 
security personnel, improve communications and refine mass transit 
evacuation plans. With the appropriation of funds, the security of 
these transportation systems will markedly improve.
  The USA Act also authorizes funds to strengthen communities responses 
to emergency incidents. This is done by increasing the number of 
firefighters, providing grants to communities and first responders and 
improving technology so that important information can be more readily 
shared between local, state and federal governments. Our nation's first 
responders are an integral component in response to a terrorist attack, 
and we must ensure that they are well prepared.
  In addition, the bill also takes major steps towards improving the 
preparedness of the military to effectively fight terrorism and 
preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. We have 
the best military in the world; however, the war on terrorism is unlike 
any we've ever fought, and enhancement of current training is 
important.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe that we have produced a good bill. This 
legislation addresses many real needs in enhancing the security of the 
United States. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of the 
legislation.

                          ____________________