[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 12]
[House]
[Page 17083]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         9/11 COMMISSION REPORT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. SHAYS. A year ago today, the 
9/11 Commission released its report. This report outlined 41 
recommendations to protect this Nation from future terrorist attacks.
  It is crucial we ensure the implementation of these recommendations.
  The 9/11 Commission produced what I feel is a sacred document. Their 
conduct should bring pride to all Americans because they realized that 
their mission was larger than partisan politics and acted accordingly.
  They completed this undertaking with determination, clarity, and 
vision. On behalf of a grateful Nation, we pledge to continue to work 
to make their entire vision reality.
  Congress and the administration have made many significant changes 
over the years to improve the security of the homeland. The 
Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act signed by the 
President in December of 2004 was a critical step forward in 
reorganizing our intelligence community, creating a Director of 
National Intelligence with personnel and budgetary authority, creating 
in statute a National Counterterrorism Center, improving our 
transportation security, and making important immigration reforms.
  There are still challenges, however, that need to be met. The Privacy 
and Civil Liberties Board established by the Intelligence Reform and 
Terrorism Prevention Act, for example, should be operating and should 
be mandated with robust powers to oversee the government's adherence to 
the guidelines set forth by the 9/11 Commission. This board is critical 
in ensuring a balance between civil liberties and security.
  In addition, more attention needs to be given to aviation security, 
mass transit issues, and first responders. We need to inspect air cargo 
that rides in the hold of passenger aircraft, and we must tighten 
security around mass transit areas.
  Furthermore, our first responders must have appropriate 
communications.
  Finally, the 9/11 Commission concluded that Congress needed to 
dramatically strengthen oversight and focus accountability. The 
commission recommended a single principal point of oversight and review 
for homeland security in each House of Congress, preferably a standing 
committee on homeland security and dedicated appropriations 
subcommittees on intelligence. We have a dedicated committee in the 
House of Representatives on homeland security, but it needs to be 
strengthened.
  The Senate still does not have such a committee for Homeland 
Security.
  Today's anniversary reminds us how important it is we implement the 
recommendations of the 9/11 Commission and how important it is we 
protect our Nation from those who would do us harm.

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