[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 148 (Friday, November 15, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2058]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HOMELAND SECURITY ACT OF 2002

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                               speech of

                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 13, 2002

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, for the past year, Congress has 
debated legislation to establish a Department of Homeland Security. 
This has been an extremely important debate considering that any 
legislation we pass in this regard will result in the largest federal 
government reorganization since World War II. Yet, despite this fact, 
we are not only on the verge of passing flawed legislation, but in what 
seems to have become the norm for any vitally important legislation 
before us in the House, we are on the verge of passing it with little 
opportunity for deliberation, and no opportunity to amend it.
  Several of my colleagues have come to the floor to highlight 
provisions that have been inserted into this legislation at the last 
minute. I share many of their concerns. It is unfortunate that we are 
not allowed an opportunity to offer amendments to a piece of 
legislation with such far-reaching implications for government 
reorganization, and more importantly, for the safety of our country.
  In addition to the process, however, I have several concerns 
regarding the substance of the legislation. While I firmly support the 
President in the war against terror, I strongly believe that it must be 
achieved by striking a proper balance between cracking down on 
terrorists while simultaneously preserving many of the liberties and 
freedoms that we enjoy as citizens of the United States.
  In securing our borders and preserving our way of life, it is 
imperative that we protect civil liberties, oppose efforts to 
gratuitously protect irresponsible corporations including those that 
incorporate offshore to avoid paying their fair share of the war on 
terrorism and those who knowingly make faulty products, and ensure that 
the new department will have the best possible workforce, while 
maintaining civil service protections. The majority has also slipped 
into this bill a provision to protect the pharmaceutical industry, The 
majority also has extended the deadline for our airports to have their 
security standards at the highest levels.
  In these and many other areas, H.R. 5417 falls short. As a result, I 
will reluctantly vote against this bill. I still believe we can and 
must create an effective Department of Homeland Security that 
simultaneously protects us at home, protects workers, and protects our 
basic freedoms and civil liberties.

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