[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 16 (Wednesday, February 3, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        AMERICANS FEEL LESS SAFE

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                            HON. LAMAR SMITH

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 3, 2010

  Mr. SMITH of Texas. Madam Speaker, recent polls show that the public 
is very concerned with the Obama administration's handling of national 
security.
  The latest Investor's Business Daily poll findings show that 
Americans believe President Obama's policies are soft on terror. The 
percentage of Americans who feel safe has declined significantly--from 
82 percent a year ago, to 67 percent this month.
  Additionally, the Pew Research Center recently released findings 
showing terrorism is the third most important issue to American voters, 
after jobs and the economy.
  This is due in part to the mishandling of the Christmas Day terrorist 
attempt. Instead of gaining valuable intelligence, Abdulmutallab was 
given Miranda rights, a move that 61 percent of Americans disagree 
with. Additionally, Americans continue to overwhelmingly oppose closing 
Gitmo 2-to-1.
  It is clear President Obama's policies have made Americans less safe. 
And according to the polls, the American people know it.

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