[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 77 (Thursday, May 10, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1013-E1014]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008

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                               speech of

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 9, 2007

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 1684) to 
     authorize appropriations for the Department of Homeland 
     Security for fiscal year 2008, and for other purposes:

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Chairman, Representative Cardoza will highlight the 
importance of communications interoperability for our Nation's first 
responders, and the urgent need for cost-effective and forward-looking 
technology solutions. Last year, Congress established an 
interoperability grant program at the Department of Commerce to draw 
upon its spectrum and telecommunications expertise. This program is 
distinct from efforts by DHS, which, as evidenced by a recent report of 
the Government Accountability Office, still need much work to achieve 
full interoperability across our Nation.

[[Page E1014]]

  I did not support the creation of this Cabinet level Department, but 
I applaud Chairman Thompson for his efforts in this reauthorization. 
Coordination is the goal, not confusion of authority.

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