[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 139 (Wednesday, September 30, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H10078-H10080]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMENDING HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES AND ANTI-TERRORISM 
                                PARTNERS

  Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 731) expressing the sense of the House of 
Representatives that the employees of the Department of Homeland 
Security, their partners at all levels of government, and the millions 
of emergency response providers and law enforcement agents nationwide 
should be commended for their dedicated service on the Nation's front 
lines in the war against acts of terrorism.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 731

       Whereas it has been 8 years since the horrific terrorist 
     attacks against the United States and its people on September 
     11, 2001;
       Whereas terrorists around the world continue to plot and 
     plan attacks against the United States and its interests and 
     foreign allies;
       Whereas, as evidenced by a suicide bomb attack in Jerusalem 
     that killed 22 people and wounded 140 on March 27, 2002, a 
     car bomb that exploded outside a Marriott Hotel in Jakarta, 
     Indonesia, on August 5, 2003, killing 10 people and wounding 
     150, 10 bombs that exploded on 4 commuter trains in Madrid on 
     March 11, 2004, killing 191 people, a major anti-terrorist 
     operation by British Police disrupts an alleged bomb plot 
     targeting multiple airplanes bound for the United States 
     flying through Heathrow Airport, near London on August 10, 
     2006, and the shooting and bombing attacks in Mumbai, India, 
     on November 26, 2008, the thwarted terrorist attacks 
     targeting the Brooklyn Bridge in March 2003, Herald Square in 
     New York City in 2004, the PATH Tunnel trains in New York and 
     New Jersey in 2006, the U.S. Army Base at Fort Dix, New 
     Jersey in May 2007, JFK International Airport in June 2007, 
     and the Air National Guard base in Newburgh, New York and 
     synagogues in Riverdale and the Bronx, New York in 2009, 
     citizens across the country and in the world should remain 
     vigilant, prepared, and informed;
       Whereas during the month of September, the Nation observes 
     National Preparedness Month which is sponsored by the 
     Department of Homeland Security, and encourages all citizens 
     to prepare themselves and their families for possible 
     emergencies by getting an emergency supply kit that will last 
     72 hours, making a family emergency plan, being informed, and 
     getting involved in the community in organizations such as 
     Citizen Corps, which actively involves citizens in making our 
     communities and our Nation safer, stronger, and better 
     prepared;
       Whereas acts of terrorism can exact a tragic human toll, 
     resulting in significant numbers of casualties and disrupting 
     hundreds of thousands of lives, causing serious damage to our 
     Nation's critical infrastructure, and inflicting billions of 
     dollars of costs on both our public and private sectors;
       Whereas in response to the attacks of September 11, 2001, 
     and the continuing grave threat of terrorism, Congress 
     established the Department of Homeland Security in March 
     2003, bringing together 22 disparate Federal entities, 
     enhancing their capabilities with major new divisions 
     emphasizing terrorism-related information analysis, 
     infrastructure protection, and science and technology, and 
     focusing their employees on the critical mission of defending 
     our Nation against acts of terrorism;
       Whereas since its creation, the employees of the Department 
     of Homeland Security have endeavored to carry out this 
     mission with commendable dedication, working with other 
     Federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies and 
     partners at all levels of Government to help secure our 
     Nation's borders, airports, seaports, critical 
     infrastructure, and communities against terrorist attacks;
       Whereas our Nation's firefighters, law enforcement 
     officers, emergency medical personnel, and other first 
     responders selflessly and repeatedly risk their lives to 
     fulfill their new mission of helping to prevent, protect 
     against, and prepare to respond to acts of terrorism, major 
     disasters, and other emergencies;
       Whereas State, local, territorial, and tribal government 
     officials, the private sector, and ordinary citizens across 
     the country have been working in cooperation with the 
     Department of Homeland Security and other Federal Government 
     agencies to enhance our ability to prevent, deter, protect 
     against, and prepare to respond to acts of terrorism;
       Whereas all people of the United States can assist in 
     promoting our Nation's overall terrorism and emergency 
     preparedness by remaining vigilant and alert, reporting 
     suspicious activity to proper authorities, and preparing 
     themselves and their families for potential terrorist 
     attacks; and
       Whereas all people of the United States should take the 
     opportunity during National Preparedness Month in September 
     2009 to take steps at home, work, and school to enhance their 
     ability to assist in preventing, protecting against, and 
     preparing to respond to acts of terrorism: Now, therefore, be 
     it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) commends the public servants of the Department of 
     Homeland Security and other Federal agencies for their 
     outstanding contributions to our Nation's homeland security;
       (2) salutes the dedication of State, local, territorial, 
     and tribal government officials, the private sector, and 
     citizens across the country for their efforts to enhance the 
     Nation's ability to prevent, deter, protect against, and 
     prepare to respond to potential acts of terrorism;
       (3) expresses the Nation's appreciation for the sacrifices 
     and commitment of our law enforcement and emergency response 
     personnel in preventing and preparing to respond to acts of 
     terrorism;
       (4) supports the goals and ideals of National Preparedness 
     Month as they relate to the threat of terrorism; and
       (5) urges the Federal Government, States, localities, 
     schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, other entities, 
     and the people of the United States to observe National 
     Preparedness Month with appropriate events and activities 
     that promote citizen and community preparedness to respond to 
     acts of terrorism.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
New York (Ms. Clarke) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New York.


                             General Leave

  Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and 
insert extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 731, 
and I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I am proud that my resolution, House Resolution 731, is being 
considered by the full House on this, the last day of National 
Preparedness Month, 2009.
  I thank Homeland Security Chairman Mr. Bennie Thompson of 
Mississippi, along with Ranking Member Peter King of New York, for 
cosponsoring House Resolution 731 and for their great help in moving 
this resolution through committee and to the House floor for 
consideration. I also want to thank the other cosponsors of this 
resolution too numerous to name at this time.
  Our committee has come together in a bipartisan manner to show 
support for this important resolution. After all, emergency 
preparedness is not a partisan issue.
  House Resolution 731 supports the goals and ideals of National 
Preparedness Month, a nationwide, coordinated effort held each 
September to encourage Americans to take simple steps in their homes, 
businesses, and schools to prepare for emergencies of all kinds.
  This month marked the 6th year that the Department of Homeland 
Security has observed September as National Emergency Preparedness 
Month. In promoting the month, DHS partnered with over 2,400 
organizations, including the American Red Cross and the Ad Council, to 
launch a series of Web, radio, television, and outdoor public service 
announcements. The PSAs highlight simple steps everyone can take to 
prepare for disasters. The campaign also utilizes new media resources 
such as Twitter and Facebook to reach up to over 80 percent of 
Americans.
  One of the most important lessons from the tragic attacks on 
September 11, 2001, and Hurricane Katrina is that we all must be 
vigilant about preparing for an emergency. Recent wildfires, floods, 
tropical storms, and tornadoes have given us the opportunity to observe 
whether those lessons have since been corrected.
  The dedicated employees of the Department of Homeland Security, under 
the new leadership of Secretary Janet Napolitano, and other Federal 
agencies successfully coordinated with State and local officials, first 
responders, and the private sector to assist with the

[[Page H10079]]

pre-positioning of lifesaving equipment, evacuation efforts, and search 
and rescue operations.

                              {time}  1045

  Similarly, we saw Americans donating their time and resources to 
assist communities in need.
  House Resolution 731 also applauds the public servants at the 
Department of Homeland Security for their outstanding dedication to 
securing our Nation.
  We know that terrorists across the world continue to target precious 
lives and critical infrastructure, as evidenced by various suicide 
bombings in recent years. Attacks in Mumbai, India, last year hit close 
to home for my constituents, with the loss of Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg 
and his wife, Rivka, two pillars of the Crown Heights, Brooklyn, 
community and the Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidic movement of Orthodox 
Judaism.
  Yet, while we are fortunate that DHS, their Federal intelligence 
partners, and law enforcement agents have successfully thwarted further 
attacks on American soil since 9/11, a flurry of recent arrests in New 
York City, Colorado, and Dallas relating to alleged terrorist plots 
reminds us that America is still vulnerable.
  I must commend the New York City Police Department, especially 
Commissioner Ray Kelly; deputy commissioner for counterterrorism, Dr. 
Richard Falkenrath; and Captain Michael Riggio, for their unyielding 
commitment to protecting my constituents and all the residents of New 
York City.
  Just this Saturday, President Obama praised New York's finest for 
their outstanding work in securing our city during the U.N. General 
Assembly session and their exceptional teamwork in their coordination 
efforts with other police departments and with Federal partners in an 
ongoing investigation of an alleged terrorist plot.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may 
consume.
  I rise in support of House Resolution 731, sponsored by my committee 
colleague Yvette Clarke, my good friend, and of which I am an original 
cosponsor.
  September is National Preparedness Month, and I think it is fitting 
that we are honoring the men and women at all levels of government who 
work every day to ensure our safety and security.
  We recently commemorated the eighth anniversary of the September 11 
terrorist attacks. It is not a coincidence that there has not been an 
attack on the United States in the 8 years since September 11. It is 
through the efforts of the brave men and women at the Department of 
Homeland Security and their partners at all levels of government. We 
are thankful for the work of law enforcement and emergency response 
providers nationwide.
  The recently foiled terrorist plots in New York, Dallas, and Illinois 
served to remind us that terrorists are still intent on attacking our 
country. We must remain vigilant and support our law enforcement and 
emergency response providers in their efforts. These hardworking men 
and women often work behind the scenes and do not receive the 
recognition they deserve for all of their efforts to prevent, prepare 
for, and protect against terrorist attacks, natural disasters and other 
emergencies.
  Our constituents have a role to play as well. On the Federal level, 
the Department of Homeland Security's Ready Campaign works to increase 
awareness and preparedness for terrorist attacks, natural disasters, 
and other emergencies. The Ready Campaign encourages individuals and 
families to have a preparedness kit and a plan and to be informed of 
possible threats to their area.
  In Florida, our Division of Emergency Management also encourages 
citizen and community preparedness. Through its Web site, 
floridadisaster.org, individuals and families can use a tool to develop 
a disaster plan that includes information on the necessary food and 
water to have on hand, evacuation points and other important 
checklists. This is an important resource and one that I urge my 
constituents to take advantage of to prepare their families.
  Everyone has a role to play in the safety and security of our Nation. 
I want to thank subcommittee Chairwoman Yvette Clarke for introducing 
this legislation to honor the individuals working to secure our Nation 
and highlighting National Preparedness Month and the need for citizen 
preparedness.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to join me in supporting this 
resolution.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers. If the gentleman 
from Florida has no more speakers, then I'm prepared to close after the 
gentleman closes.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. I'm prepared to close. I have no other speakers.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is important to recognize the hard 
work that Federal Homeland Security employees, emergency response 
providers and all law enforcement personnel are doing to prevent, 
prepare for and respond to terrorism, natural disasters and other 
emergencies. This resolution is a small token of our appreciation for 
their efforts to keep us safe and secure.
  I urge all of our colleagues to support this resolution, and I yield 
back the balance of my time.
  Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  In closing, on this last day of National Preparedness Month 2009, I 
urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 731 and to also encourage their 
constituents to visit www.ready.gov where they can learn how to be 
vigilant, alert and prepared for an emergency.
  Mr. CAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 731 to 
observe National Preparedness Month.
  As a representative of a district that is prone to disasters and an 
original cosponsor of H. Res. 731, I speak on behalf of citizens who 
realize the significance of personal preparedness.
  The second district of Louisiana contains one of the world's largest 
ports. Thus, security and protection from external threats is important 
to us.
  It is imperative that all citizens are encouraged to prepare 
themselves and their families for possible emergencies by attaining 
supply kits, making a family emergency plan, and getting involved in 
the community in organizations such as Citizen Corps.
  Through H. Res. 731, we honor the public servants, government 
officials, and private citizens who work hard to keep our families 
secure from disasters and prepared for response to potential acts of 
terrorism.
  We express our appreciation for the commitment of law enforcement and 
emergency response personnel in supporting the goals and ideals of 
National Preparedness Month.
  I urge my colleagues to vote in support of H. Res. 731.
  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 731, the 
``National Preparedness Month Resolution.'' September is National 
Preparedness Month and this resolution honors the public servants of 
the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Response Personnel 
for their commitment to securing our Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my dear friend and colleague, 
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, for calling on Members and the rest of the 
country to join her in commending and recognizing the men and women who 
dedicate their lives to preventing and preparing for any future 
terrorist attack.
  The Department of Homeland Security was born out of the tragedy of 
September 11 and through the hard work and commitment of the employees 
of the Department of Homeland Security, our Nation has remained safe 
and secure from terrorist threats for the past 8 years. I want to take 
this opportunity to thank the Department of Homeland Security and other 
emergency response personnel for committing themselves to this noble 
and necessary cause.
  Mr. Speaker, I would also like to recognize the employees of the 
Department of Homeland Security that work tirelessly in my district, 
the 37th Congressional District of California. These men and women can 
be seen hard at work in various local branches of the Coast Guard, 
Immigration Services, Law Enforcement, Army, and Navy. I appreciate the 
sacrifices and commitment of those men and women who work every day to 
secure the community of Long Beach, California.
  As we celebrate National Preparedness Month, I urge all Members to 
take a moment to honor the men and women that dedicate their lives to 
emergency preparedness and protecting this country from another 
terrorist attack.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House 
Resolution 731 and thank my colleague, Ms. Clarke, for introducing it. 
This resolution applauds the public servants at the Department of 
Homeland Security, DHS, for their outstanding dedication to securing 
our Nation.

[[Page H10080]]

  More importantly, House Resolution 731 encourages citizens to prepare 
themselves and their families to respond to any emergency--whether it 
is an act of terror, natural disaster, or other crisis.
  Today marks the end of National Preparedness Month, NPM, which DHS 
has successfully promoted for the last 6 years. NPM is sponsored by the 
Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps program, and is designed to encourage 
Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their 
homes, businesses, and communities. DHS has partnered with 2,400 
coalition members across the country to promote the message that 
preparedness is a shared responsibility and that we all must do our 
part to be ready when disaster strikes.
  As a former volunteer firefighter, I know that lives are saved when 
the public takes steps to prepare for the worst. And as the chairman of 
the Homeland Security Committee, I want the people of this Nation to 
take the necessary steps to prepare themselves in the event of an 
emergency. To be prepared, all individuals should visit www.ready.gov 
and take three simple steps. These steps are:
  1. Get a Kit. All households should build a disaster supply kit that 
includes enough supplies for each family member for three days. The kit 
should include basic items such as water, food, medicine, batteries, 
flashlights, hygiene materials, and blankets.
  2. Make a Plan. Every family should develop and communicate with each 
other their evacuation or sheltering plan. The plan should correspond 
to the school, work and community of every member of the family. All 
families are encouraged to practice this plan to ensure familiarity 
with evacuation or meeting routes, have cell phones charged and keep a 
charger in the car.
  3. Be informed. We all need to know about the type of disasters or 
emergencies that may occur where we live, work and play. Every citizen 
should also learn about what to do in the event of a biological, 
chemical, explosive, nuclear or radiological attack.
  In addition to getting a kit, making a plan, and being informed, 
citizens can also get involved in helping their neighbors prepare. To 
learn how you can contribute to the Citizen Corps program, which brings 
together communities in emergency preparedness, planning, mitigation, 
response and recovery efforts, visit the www.citizencorps.gov website.
  Mr. Speaker, an August 2009 survey commissioned by FEMA's Citizen 
Corps program shows we have a long way to go as a nation in preparing 
our communities for a disaster. According to the survey, just 56 
percent of respondents reported having disaster supply kits in their 
home. Only 50 percent were familiar with emergency alert and warning 
systems, and just 38 percent were familiar with local sources of public 
safety information.
  We must close these gaps. National Preparedness Month is one such 
step toward doing just that. It is an important national public 
awareness campaign that promotes citizen and community preparedness.
  Mr. Speaker, for these reasons, I support H. Res. 731 and urge 
adoption of this resolution.
  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of H. Res. 731. The Department of Homeland Security has worked 
diligently to keep us safe since the devastating attacks on 9/11.
  And thankfully we've not had a successful attack since then--it's not 
because of luck, but due to the hard work of the men and women who work 
every day to secure the Homeland.
  The over 200,000 employees of 22 agencies that make up the Department 
deserve our utmost gratitude for their steadfast resolve and commitment 
to prevent acts of terror against our citizens.
  They have worked to increase cooperation between our intelligence and 
defense communities.
  They have strengthened our preparedness and created partnerships 
among Federal agencies and local and state first responders.
  These employees patrol our land and sea borders, secure our airports 
and Ports of Entry and safeguard critical infrastructure.
  Theirs is truly a 24/7 job whose successes are rarely known or 
acknowledged.
  As the recent arrest of Najibullah Zazi, the Afghan accused of 
plotting to plant bombs in New York shows, we still face many 
challenges to stop the threat of terrorism on our shores and in our 
cities and towns.
  Border security must be enhanced; we must remain vigilant if we are 
to continue to disrupt plots and attacks on our nation. Complacency 
isn't an option because as we have seen over and over again, the intent 
to commit acts of terrorism remains strong.
  Defending the homeland will take more than just a Federal effort--our 
fire fighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, 
and other first responders selflessly and repeatedly risk their lives 
to fulfill their mission of helping to prevent, and prepare to respond 
to, acts of terrorism, major disasters, and other emergencies.
  All Americans should take the opportunity during National 
Preparedness Month this September to take steps at home, work, and 
school to enhance their ability to assist in preventing, protecting 
against, and preparing to respond to acts of terrorism.
  I commend the work of our first responders and the Department of 
Homeland Security. I offer my full cooperation in meeting our shared 
goals of keeping America safe and secure.
  I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Clarke) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 731.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a 
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not 
present.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.
  The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.

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