[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 83 (Monday, May 21, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1097]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               H.R. 1684

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 21, 2007

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my 
support for H.R. 1684, the Department of Homeland Security, DHS, 
Authorization Act for fiscal year 2008. The legislation makes clear 
that this Congress is dedicated to providing the Department of Homeland 
Security with the proper tools to protect American citizens, and to 
ensure accountability and proper oversight of DHS.
  With many entities rolled into the Department of Homeland Security at 
its inception in 2003 the bureaucratic structure of the department has 
consistently needed improvement. DHS has come under intense scrutiny 
and yielded many questions regarding its bloated size and its ability 
to function smoothly. This legislation will take necessary steps to 
correct large problems associated with the agency that includes 
streamlining the contracting and procurement process, and require the 
department to conduct comprehensive quadrennial reviews of its 
operations.
  H.R. 1684 is a bipartisan effort to restore huge cuts by the Bush 
administration to important programs. The 52 percent cut to the State 
Homeland Security Grant Program, which funds first responder 
preparation and response, has been reinstated. The 55 percent cut to 
firefighter assistance grants has been added back into the bill. This 
bill also restores the previously eliminated Local Law Enforcement 
Terrorism Prevention Program to its entirety, and reverses the 
elimination of the SAFER program. Fully funding these crucial first 
responder programs dictates a dedication from Congress that is 
unparalleled.
  The most important job of Congress is to keep America safe, and this 
legislation takes important steps to protect our communities. I want to 
commend the Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, the gentleman 
from Mississippi, Mr. Thompson, for his work on this legislation and I 
urge all my colleagues to support it.

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