[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 44 (Thursday, April 1, 2004)]
[House]
[Page H1796]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HIGH-RISK NON-PROFIT SECURITY ENHANCEMENT ACT

  (Mr. NETHERCUTT asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Speaker, this morning I will be joining with my 
colleagues, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler), the gentleman 
from Connecticut (Mr. Shays), and the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. 
Pence), to introduce the High-risk Non-profit Security Enhancement Act.
  Our legislation has three key components. It directs the Department 
of Homeland Security to provide $100 million in grants and loan 
guarantees for security enhancements at non-profit organizations that 
are at high risk of international terrorism. It assists local law 
enforcement agencies that provide security for regions with high 
concentrations of non-profits with $50 million in grants. And the bill 
establishes an Office of Community Relations and Civic Affairs at the 
Department of Homeland Security to facilitate this program.
  Since September 11, the Federal Government has dedicated significant 
resources to improving the security of government facilities. We have 
successfully deterred attacks for more than 2 years, but we must remain 
vigilant and continue to devote resources to potential targets.
  As government facilities have fortified against the threat of 
terrorism, terrorists may turn their attention to less fortified, but 
equally symbolic, targets. Leading non-profit organizations may become 
targets as an unintended consequence of our efforts. They represent the 
heart and soul of our communities, and the forces that want to destroy 
America understand their value. They believe they understand the 
importance of these organizations in our culture and our society.
  This legislation will protect non-profit organizations throughout 
America, and I urge my colleagues to support this very important 
legislation.

                          ____________________