[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 78 (Thursday, June 13, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1041]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         ON THE CREATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 12, 2002

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the 
creation of a new cabinet-level federal Department of Homeland 
Security. This long-overdue initiative, designed to streamline current 
government activities, is an important first step in our nation's war 
on terrorism.
  In October of last year, I introduced H.R. 3078, to establish the 
National Office for Combating Terrorism. It included an initiative to 
develop policies and goals for the prevention of and response to 
terrorism, and for the consolidation of federal, state, and local 
government programs. I am pleased to see that the Administration is 
incorporating my ideas, along with those of my colleagues, into a 
comprehensive plan to streamline the workings of the Executive Branch.
  The new Department will have four separate divisions to deal with 
threats to our nation. Within each division, the missions and functions 
that are currently spread out amongst a dizzying array of federal 
agencies will be consolidated to avoid duplication and redundancy and 
ensure that the Executive Branch of government actually supports the 
tax payers who support it.
  The concept of consolidating the efforts of federal, state, and local 
agencies is not a new one. I recently introduced H.R. 4754, the 
National Drought Preparedness Act. My legislation will bring together 
representatives from federal and state agencies to create planning 
models and preparedness plans, in much the same way that the new 
Department of Homeland Security would operate. I applaud this important 
initiative and urge my colleagues to work towards quick passage of 
legislation for the creation of this new Department.

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