[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 7 (Friday, January 12, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E87]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E87]]


      IMPLEMENTING THE 9/11 COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS ACT OF 2007

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 9, 2007

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
H.R. 1, the Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act. The 
safety of our families, our communities and our country is the top 
priority of Americans and today, finally, it is the top priority of 
Congress.
  It is long past time to make the changes and investments necessary to 
improve our homeland security. The Commission submitted 41 
recommendations in 2004. Since then, the Republican-controlled Congress 
has failed to take action. In fact, last year, the bipartisan 9/11 
Commissioners gave Congress failing grades on implementing the 
Commission's recommendations.
  H.R. 1 will both enhance our homeland security and reduce the threat 
overseas. Implementing these recommendations is supported by 9/11 
families and 62 percent of Americans.
  This bill includes several critical elements to improving American 
security. It will establish a grant program to improve interoperability 
and finally allow our first responders to communicate and share 
information with one another. It also ensures that taxpayer dollars are 
used wisely and requires that homeland security grants are awarded 
based on risk. H.R 1. will provide for screening of 100 percent of 
containers bound for the U.S. and establishes an improved system of 
screening the cargo and baggage on aircraft.
  Democrats have also included provisions to act proactively in 
improving stability around the world. This legislation will improve 
prevention of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and 
nuclear technology. It will also take a critical step in reducing the 
appeal of extremism by encouraging educational opportunities in Arab 
and Muslim countries.
  H.R 1. will change Congress' failing grade to an ``A'' from the 9/11 
Commission. This legislation is a comprehensive effort to enhance our 
security and to promote stability and understanding around the world. 
9/11 Commissioner Lee Hamilton said that if H.R. 1 passes, America will 
be safer. I urge my colleagues to join me in making this so.

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