[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 123 (Monday, July 30, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1649-E1650]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 1, IMPLEMENTING RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE 9/11 
                         COMMISSION ACT OF 2007

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 27, 2007

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of ``H.R. 1 
Implementing the 911 Commission Recommendations Conference Report.'' 
This report provides an opportunity to enhance the security and 
protection of our citizens and strengthens our homeland security 
policy. ``Six years after the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and three years 
after the bipartisan and independent 9/11 Commission delivered to the 
American people a roadmap for security that the Republican Congress had 
failed to pass into law, the Democratic Congress is about to deliver to 
the President a bill for his signature to make the American people 
safer. H.R. 1 will now provide a policy that will allow us to address 
the gaps that were created when the President decided to underfund many 
Homeland Security programs and initiatives.
  This legislation, which was developed through bipartisan support, is 
a proactive step in making our country a safer place to live, work, and 
play. H.R. 1 makes the Nations security a top priority by significantly 
increasing the share of State homeland security grants provided on the 
basis of risk; requiring a significant increase in the number of 
maritime and air cargo containers scanned for weapons of mass 
destruction; significantly strengthening the Coopreative Threat 
reduction Program and creating a new National Bio-Surveillance 
Integration Center, which would support Federal

[[Page E1650]]

efforts to rapidly identify and track biological threats.
  The Bush Administration has repeatedly shown a lack of commitment to 
improving relations abroad. The report seeks to utilize diplomacy by 
enhancing the International Arab and Muslim Youth Opportunity Fund and 
establishing a Middle East Foundation that will promote economic 
opportunities, education reform, human rights, and democracy in the 
Middle East. We now have an opportunity to begin to rebuild relations 
and move in a proactive direction.
  I am convinced that this bill ensures that we are better prepared to 
protect our families, our homes, and our Nation against any and all 
terrorist threats. So, I am honored to support this legislation.

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