[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23275]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     HOMELAND SECURITY ACT OF 2002

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 14, 2002

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose H.R. 5005, 
legislation to create a Department of Homeland Security.
  Like all Americans, I stand with the President and my colleagues in 
Congress determined to win the war against terrorism and to make our 
country more secure. Regrettably, I do not believe this bill will 
significantly enhance the safety of the American people, but I believe 
it will disrupt the balance of power between the executive and 
legislative branches of the federal government as defined by the 
Constitution.
  Never has a member of the executive branch, in times of peace or war, 
ever had the vast authority granted in this legislation to unilaterally 
authorize the expenditure of federal resources without consultation 
with the Congress. This is the excessive power granted to the new 
Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. I am concerned this 
excessive power will obstruct the legitimate role of Congress to 
provide the appropriate level of oversight and accountability in the 
war on terrorism.
  I also remain absolutely opposed to terms in this bill that allow 
airline pilots to carry guns in the cockpit without proper testing to 
address safety concerns, indefinitely postpones the deadline for 
deployment of explosive detection devices at our nation's airports, and 
limits the legal liability for certain anti-terrorism products 
certified by the new department. I am disappointed these provisions 
were included in the final legislation.
  I remain committed to a strong and effective defense of America's 
interests. The American people must have confidence that terrorism will 
be defeated through vigilant cooperation between our nation's defense 
and intelligence apparatus, as well as all essential federal, state and 
local agencies.
  If done properly, a Department of Homeland Security could increase 
efficiency and coordination between key agencies needed to protect us 
against future terrorist attacks. Unfortunately, the legislation falls 
short of this important goal.
  We must do all we can to ensure the safety of the American people 
from the threat of terrorism. I look forward to working with my 
colleagues in Congress and the Administration on this important 
challenge.

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