[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 76 (Tuesday, June 11, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H3304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          SUPPORTING CREATION OF HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT

  (Mr. GIBBONS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, ``turf,'' as everyone knows, is sacred in 
Washington, D.C., and the favorite parlor game in Washington D.C. is 
turf war. Every Member of Congress, every committee and agency fights 
hard to maintain their turf; and I am concerned that turf battles may 
impede what is best for our Nation.
  This morning, I testified in support of H.R. 4660, a bipartisan bill 
to create a Secretary of Homeland Security and a Director to the 
National Office of Combatting Terrorism.
  This legislation includes three main points. First, it gives budget 
authority to those in charge of protecting our Nation's homeland. 
Second, it provides Congress the oversight we must have over this new 
office. Finally, this legislation will reorganize government to allow 
better information-sharing both vertically and horizontally. As we 
proceed, Congress must be mindful that the safety of the American 
people is more important than the power struggles of a few agencies or 
Congressmen.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join in this important effort, 
move beyond turf battles, and do what is right for the American people.

                          ____________________