[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 27 (Tuesday, February 13, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E337]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND 
                                SECURITY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. DONNA M. CHRISTENSEN

                         of the virgin islands

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 12, 2007

  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 
134, recognizing and honoring the employees of the Department of 
Homeland Security for their efforts and contributions to protect and 
secure the Nation. I would like to commend my colleagues, Congressman 
Carney and Congressman Bilirakis for their leadership in bringing this 
resolution to the floor today.
  As an original member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I know 
firsthand the many challenges within the Department of Homeland 
Security. Last week, the committee conducted hearings on the status and 
budget of the agency. A concern that was expressed by a majority, if 
not all members of the committee, was the issue of employee moral at 
the agency. We know that it has not been easy to withstand and respond 
to the harsh and constant criticism resulting from the aftermath of 911 
and other disasters that followed.
  But, today, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize all of 
the DHS employees, especially those within FEMA who have had to bear 
the brunt of criticisms post-Katrina. Although this committee has 
conducted oversight hearings to address these criticisms, we also 
recognize and know firsthand all the good work that they do. In 
addition to supporting all that H. Res. 134 provides, I would also like 
to add that as the members of this committee begin the appropriation 
process, we will do everything possible to make sure that they have the 
resources they need to continue to effectively and efficiently get 
their job done.
  Congratulations to the Department of Homeland Security on their 
fourth anniversary.

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