[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 128 (Saturday, August 4, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1769]
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. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 27, 2007

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
the Conference Report on H.R. 1, which implements the findings of the 
Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the 
United States, also called the 9/11 Commission Recommendations. Passage 
of this legislation keeps another promise made by the new Democratic 
Majority and makes clear that the safety and security of our families, 
our communities and our country is a top priority.
  This Conference Report makes critical investments necessary to 
improve our homeland security. The timing is critical--a recent 
National Intelligence Estimate stated that al-Qaeda's network has been 
able to restore their capability to launch another attack on our 
country. H.R. 1 will both better protect Americans from terrorism, and 
improve our ability to combat dangerous threats abroad. It implements 
the 9/11 Commission recommendations and is supported by the 9/11 
families, as well as a vast majority of Americans.
  H.R. 1 takes action on issues ignored by previous Congresses. It 
requires 100 percent scanning of containers bound for the United States 
and 100 percent screening of cargo on passenger aircraft. Recognizing 
that not all travel is aviation, the bill also authorizes $4 billion 
for security grant programs to improve the safety of mass transit, 
buses, and freight and passenger rail.
  Passage of this legislation will also finally ensure that our 
firefighters and police officers can communicate with one another in an 
emergency. H.R. 1 provides the resources necessary to ensure this 
communication by establishing a communications interoperability grant 
program. It also includes strengthens state and local intelligence 
fusion centers--which have been established to make sure state and 
local responders are receiving security-relevant information from 
Federal agencies.
  Recognizing the importance of prevention, this conference report also 
includes strong provisions to reduce the proliferation of Weapons of 
Mass Destruction, strengthens efforts to prevent terrorists from 
traveling, and strengthens security measures for the Visa Waiver 
program. It also includes efforts to improve the reputation of the 
United States abroad and to reduce the appeal of extremism. This 
legislation promotes opportunities for educational exchange, invests in 
diplomacy and promotes long-term strategies to improve democracy and 
human rights around the world. Restoring America's reputation as a 
leader and a positive partner in the international community is the 
most effective tool we have to prevent further terrorist attacks.
  This bill makes our Nation safer. I urge my colleagues to support it, 
and the President to sign it.

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