[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 9]
[House]
[Pages 12767-12771]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                NATIONAL BOMBING PREVENTION ACT OF 2008

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the 
rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4749) to amend the Homeland Security Act 
of 2002 to establish the Office for Bombing Prevention, to address 
terrorist explosive threats, and for other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 4749

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``National Bombing Prevention 
     Act of 2008''.

     SEC. 2. BOMBING PREVENTION.

       (a) In General.--Subtitle A of title II of the Homeland 
     Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 121 et seq.) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new section:

     ``SEC. 210F. OFFICE FOR BOMBING PREVENTION.

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish within the 
     Protective Security Coordination Division of the Office of 
     Infrastructure Protection of the Department an Office for 
     Bombing Prevention (in this section referred to as `the 
     Office').
       ``(b) Responsibilities.--The Office shall have the primary 
     responsibility for enhancing the ability, and coordinating 
     the efforts, of the United States to deter, detect, prevent, 
     protect against, and respond to terrorist explosive attacks 
     in the United States, including by--
       ``(1) serving as the lead agency of the Department for 
     ensuring that programs designed to counter terrorist 
     explosive attacks in the United States function together 
     efficiently to meet the evolving threat from explosives and 
     improvised explosive devices;
       ``(2) coordinating national and intergovernmental bombing 
     prevention activities to ensure those activities work toward 
     achieving common national goals;
       ``(3) conducting analysis of the capabilities and 
     requirements necessary for Federal, State, local, and tribal 
     governments to deter, prevent, detect, protect against, and 
     assist in any response to terrorist explosive attacks in the 
     United States by--
       ``(A) maintaining a national analysis database on the 
     capabilities of bomb squads, explosive detection canine 
     teams, tactics teams, and public safety dive teams; and
       ``(B) applying the analysis derived from the database 
     described in subparagraph (A) in--
       ``(i) evaluating progress toward closing identified gaps 
     relating to national strategic goals and standards; and
       ``(ii) informing decisions relating to homeland security 
     policy, assistance, training, research, development efforts, 
     testing and evaluation, and related requirements;
       ``(4) promoting secure information sharing of sensitive 
     material and promoting security awareness, including by--
       ``(A) operating and maintaining a secure information 
     sharing system that allows the sharing of critical 
     information relating to terrorist explosive attack tactics, 
     techniques, and procedures;
       ``(B) educating the public and private sectors about 
     explosive precursor chemicals;
       ``(C) working with international partners, in coordination 
     with the Office for International Affairs of the Department, 
     to develop and share effective practices to deter, prevent, 
     detect, protect, and respond to terrorist explosive attacks 
     in the United States; and
       ``(D) executing national public awareness and vigilance 
     campaigns relating to terrorist explosive threats, preventing 
     explosive attacks, and activities and measures underway to 
     safeguard the United States;
       ``(5) assisting State, local, and tribal governments in 
     developing multi-jurisdictional improvised explosive devices 
     security plans for high-risk jurisdictions;
       ``(6) helping to ensure, in coordination with the Under 
     Secretary for Science and Technology and the Administrator of 
     the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the identification 
     and availability of effective technology applications through 
     field pilot testing and acquisition of such technology 
     applications by Federal, State, local, and tribal governments 
     to deter, prevent, detect, protect, and respond to terrorist 
     explosive attacks in the United States;
       ``(7) coordinating the efforts of the Department relating 
     to, and assisting departments and agencies of Federal, State, 
     local, and tribal governments, and private sector business 
     in, developing and implementing national explosives detection 
     training, certification, and performance standards;
       ``(8) ensuring the implementation of any recommendations in 
     the national strategy required under section 210G, including 
     developing, maintaining, and tracking progress toward 
     achieving objectives to reduce the vulnerability of the 
     United States to terrorist explosive attacks;
       ``(9) developing, in coordination with the Administrator of 
     the Federal Emergency Management Agency, programmatic 
     guidance and permitted uses for bombing prevention activities 
     funded by homeland security assistance administered by the 
     Department; and
       ``(10) establishing and executing a public awareness 
     campaign to inform the general public and private sector 
     businesses on ways they can deter, detect, prevent, protect 
     against, and respond to terrorist explosive attacks in the 
     United States, that--
       ``(A) utilizes a broad spectrum of both mainstream and 
     specialty print, radio, television outlets, and the Internet;
       ``(B) utilizes small and disadvantaged businesses, as 
     defined under the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.); 
     and
       ``(C) ensures that the public awareness messages under the 
     campaign reach and are understandable to underserved 
     populations, including--
       ``(i) persons with physical and mental disabilities, health 
     problems, visual impairments, hearing impairments, limited 
     English proficiency, and literacy barriers;
       ``(ii) socially and economically disadvantaged households 
     and communities;
       ``(iii) the elderly; and
       ``(iv) children.
       ``(c) Limitation on Statutory Construction.--Nothing in 
     this section shall be construed to affect the authority of 
     the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, 
     or the Attorney General of the United States.
       ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--
       ``(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
     to carry out this section--
       ``(A) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
       ``(B) $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through 
     2012; and
       ``(C) such sums as may be necessary for each subsequent 
     fiscal year.
       ``(2) Availability.--Amounts made available pursuant to 
     paragraph (1) are authorized to remain available until 
     expended.
       ``(e) Enhancement of Explosives Detection Canine Resources 
     and Capabilities.--To enhance the Nation's explosives 
     detection canine resources and capabilities the Secretary of 
     Homeland Security shall, by partnering with other Federal, 
     State, local, and tribal agencies, nonprofit organizations, 
     universities including historically black colleges and 
     universities and minority serving institutions, and the 
     private sector--

[[Page 12768]]

       ``(1) within 270 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this subsection--
       ``(A) develop a pilot program that includes a domestic 
     breeding program for purpose-bred explosives detection 
     canines; and
       ``(B) increase the current number of capability assessments 
     of explosives detection canine units to identify common 
     challenges and gaps in canine explosives detection, to 
     provide for effective domestic preparedness and collective 
     response to terrorism, and to inform grant guidance and 
     priorities, consistent with national capabilities database 
     efforts;
       ``(2) continue development of a scientifically-based 
     training curriculum to enhance consensus-based national 
     training and certification standards to provide for effective 
     domestic preparedness and collective response to terrorism 
     through the effective use of explosives detection canines for 
     explosives detection canines; and
       ``(3) continue engagement in explosives detection canine 
     research and development activities through partnerships with 
     the Science and Technology Directorate and the Technical 
     Support Working Group.

     ``SEC. 210G. NATIONAL STRATEGY.

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall develop and 
     periodically update a national strategy to prevent and 
     prepare for terrorist explosive attacks in the United States.
       ``(b) Development.--Not later than 90 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall develop 
     the national strategy required under subsection (a).
       ``(c) Reporting.--Not later than six months after the date 
     of the submission of the report regarding each quadrennial 
     homeland security review conducted under section 707, the 
     Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security 
     of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland 
     Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report 
     regarding the national strategy required under subsection 
     (a), which shall include recommendations, if any, for 
     deterring, preventing, detecting, protecting against, and 
     responding to terrorist attacks in the United States using 
     explosives or improvised explosive devices, including any 
     such recommendations relating to coordinating the efforts of 
     Federal, State, local, and tribal governments, emergency 
     response providers, and the private sector.''.
       (b) Technical and Conforming Amendment.--The table of 
     contents in section 1(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 
     (6 U.S.C. 101 et seq.) is amended by inserting after the item 
     relating to section 210E the following new items:
``Sec. 210F. Office for Bombing Prevention.
``Sec. 210G. National strategy.''.

     SEC. 3. EXPLOSIVES TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSFER.

       (a) In General.--Title III of the Homeland Security Act of 
     2002 (6 U.S.C. 181 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end 
     the following new sections:

     ``SEC. 318. EXPLOSIVES RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Under 
     Secretary for Science and Technology, and in coordination 
     with the Under Secretary for National Protection and 
     Programs, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Defense, and 
     the head of any other relevant Federal department or agency, 
     shall ensure coordination and information sharing regarding 
     nonmilitary research, development, testing, and evaluation 
     activities of the Federal Government relating to the 
     detection and prevention of, protection against, and response 
     to terrorist attacks in the United States using explosives or 
     improvised explosive devices, and the development of tools 
     and technologies necessary to neutralize and disable 
     explosive devices.
       ``(b) Leveraging Military Research.--The Secretary, acting 
     through the Under Secretary for Science and Technology, and 
     in coordination with the Under Secretary for National 
     Protection and Programs, shall coordinate with the Secretary 
     of Defense and the head of any other relevant Federal 
     department or agency to ensure that, to the maximum extent 
     possible, military policies and procedures, and research, 
     development, testing, and evaluation activities relating to 
     the detection and prevention of, protection against, and 
     response to terrorist attacks using explosives or improvised 
     explosive devices, and the development of tools and 
     technologies necessary to neutralize and disable explosive 
     devices, are adapted to nonmilitary uses.

     ``SEC. 319. TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER.

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Under 
     Secretary for Science and Technology, and in coordination 
     with the Under Secretary for National Protection and 
     Programs, shall establish a technology transfer program to 
     facilitate the identification, modification, and 
     commercialization of technology and equipment for use by 
     Federal, State, and local governmental agencies, emergency 
     response providers, and the private sector to deter, prevent, 
     detect, protect, and respond to terrorist attacks in the 
     United States using explosives or improvised explosive 
     devices.
       ``(b) Program.--The activities under the program 
     established under subsection (a) shall include--
       ``(1) applying the analysis conducted under section 
     210F(b)(3) of the capabilities and requirements of bomb 
     squad, explosive detection canine teams, tactical teams, and 
     public safety dive teams of Federal, State, and local 
     governments, to determine the training and technology 
     requirements for Federal, State, and local governments, 
     emergency response providers, and the private sector;
       ``(2) identifying available technologies designed to deter, 
     prevent, detect, protect, or respond to terrorist attacks 
     using explosives or improvised explosive devices that have 
     been, or are in the process of being, developed, tested, 
     evaluated, or demonstrated by the Department, other Federal 
     agencies, the private sector, foreign governments, or 
     international organizations;
       ``(3) reviewing whether a technology described in paragraph 
     (2) may be useful in assisting Federal, State, or local 
     governments, emergency response providers, or the private 
     sector in detecting, deterring, preventing, or responding to 
     terrorist attacks using explosives or improvised explosive 
     devices; and
       ``(4) communicating to Federal, State, and local 
     governments, emergency response providers, and the private 
     sector the availability of any technology described in 
     paragraph (2), including providing the specifications of any 
     such technology, indicating whether any such technology 
     satisfies appropriate standards, and identifying grants, if 
     any, available from the Department to purchase any such 
     technology.
       ``(c) Working Group.--To facilitate the transfer of 
     military technologies, the Secretary, acting through the 
     Under Secretary for Science and Technology, in coordination 
     with the Secretary of Defense, and in a manner consistent 
     with protection of sensitive sources and methods, shall 
     establish a working group to advise and assist in the 
     identification of military technologies designed to deter, 
     prevent, detect, protect, or respond to terrorist explosive 
     attacks that are in the process of being developed, or are 
     developed, by the Department of Defense or the private 
     sector.''.
       (b) Technical and Conforming Amendment.--The table of 
     contents in section 1(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 
     (6 U.S.C. 101 et seq.) is amended by inserting after the item 
     relating to section 317 the following new items:
``Sec. 318. Explosives research and development.
``Sec. 319. Technology transfer.''.

     SEC. 4. GAO STUDY OF EXPLOSIVES DETECTION CANINE TEAMS.

       Section 1307(f) of the Implementing Recommendations of the 
     9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-53; 121 Stat. 
     395) is amended by striking ``utilization'' and all that 
     follows through the end of the sentence and inserting 
     ``utilization of explosives detection canine teams, by the 
     Transportation Security Administration and all other agencies 
     of the Department of Homeland Security that utilize 
     explosives detection canines, to strengthen security and the 
     capacity of explosive detection canine detection teams of the 
     Department.''.

     SEC. 5. REPORT ON CANINE PROCUREMENT ACTIVITIES.

       The Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit a report to 
     the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and 
     Governmental Affairs of the Senate by not later than 180 days 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act examining the 
     administration of canine procurement activities by the 
     Department of Homeland Security to deter, prevent, detect, 
     and protect against terrorist explosive attacks in the United 
     States, that includes consideration of the feasibility of 
     reducing the price paid for the procurement of untrained 
     canines, including by utilizing an expanded pool of breeds, 
     procuring canines from domestic breeders, and acquiring 
     canines from animal shelters, rescue societies, and other 
     not-for-profit entities.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Mississippi (Mr. Thompson) and the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Daniel E. Lungren) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Mississippi.


                             General Leave

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent 
that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their 
remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under 
consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Mississippi?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support 
of this bill and yield myself as much time as I may consume.
  Explosives remain the preferred weapon of choice for terrorists the 
world over. Explosives have been used against this Nation abroad and on 
American soil. Because explosives, be they military grade or homemade, 
improvised explosive devices are easy to obtain and use, the explosives 
threat needs a focused, coordinated approach.
  In the immediate aftermath of the September 11 attack, a great deal 
of attention was paid to the emerging threats, such as chemical, 
biological, radiological and nuclear weapons of mass destruction. At 
the same time, needed focus on the explosives threat has been lacking, 
despite the issuance of Homeland Security Presidential Directive 19, 
Combating Terrorist Use of Explosives in the United States, in February 
2007. H.R. 4749, the National Bombing Prevention Act of 2008, will help 
fill this gap.

[[Page 12769]]

  The legislation that the gentleman from Long Island (Mr. King) and I 
introduced was considered in committee in May. It was improved at full 
committee markup with the addition of some key amendments and reported 
unanimously by our committee.
  This is a straightforward bipartisan bill. It establishes the Office 
of Bombing Prevention within the Office of Infrastructure Protection at 
the Department of Homeland Security.
  As with other bills we have brought to the floor today, I strongly 
believe that this bill fits well with the priorities found in H.R. 
1684, the DHS authorization bill that is pending before the Senate.
  The Office of Bombing Prevention, in fact, already exists in the 
Department. This bill simply authorizes it and sets forth its 
responsibilities in law. The bill authorizes $10 million for FY 2009, a 
little over the administration's budget request.
  For fiscal years 2010 through 2012, the bill authorizes $25 million 
annually. Then, for each subsequent fiscal year, such sums as may be 
necessary are provided. The Office is responsible for coordinating the 
government efforts to deter, detect, prevent, protect against and 
respond to terrorist explosive attacks in the United States.
  To do so, the Office is required to conduct analysis of the Federal, 
State, local and tribal government capabilities and maintain a national 
database on the capabilities of bomb squads, explosive detection, 
canine teams, tactic teams and public safety dive teams around the 
Nation.
  Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to 
develop and periodically update a national strategy to prevent and 
prepare for terrorist explosive attacks in the United States. A 
national strategy is also required under HSPD 19.
  H.R. 4749 also authorizes the Office to support efforts, as well as 
research, into explosives detection and mitigation. An informed public 
is a prepared public. In this spirit, the bill directs the Office to 
develop and implement a public awareness campaign that can reach the 
private sector as well as ordinary citizens.
  Finally, the bill ensures that we understand and enhance bomb 
detection through the proper training and use of canine detection 
units. For all these reasons, I encourage my colleagues to support this 
important legislation.

         House of Representatives, Committee on Science and 
           Technology,
                                    Washington, DC, June 16, 2008.
     Hon. Bennie G. Thompson,
     Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, Ford House Office 
         Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman, I am writing to you concerning the 
     jurisdictional interest of the Committee on Science and 
     Technology in H.R. 4749, the National Bombing Prevention Act 
     of 2008. H.R. 4749 was introduced by Congressman Peter T. 
     King on December 1, 2007, and the bill was subsequently 
     marked up by the Committee on Homeland Security on May 20, 
     2008.
       H.R. 4749 implicates the Committee on Science and 
     Technology's jurisdiction over Homeland Security research and 
     development under Rule X(1)(o)(14) of the House Rules. The 
     Committee on Science and Technology acknowledges the 
     importance of H.R. 4749 and the need for the legislation to 
     move expeditiously. Therefore, while we have a valid claim to 
     jurisdiction over this bill, I agree not to request a 
     sequential referral. This, of course, is conditional on our 
     mutual understanding that nothing in this legislation or my 
     decision to forgo a sequential referral waives, reduces, or 
     otherwise affects the jurisdiction of the Committee on 
     Science and Technology, and that a copy of this letter and of 
     your response will be included in the Congressional Record 
     when the bill is considered on the House Floor.
       The Committee on Science and Technology also expects that 
     you will support our request to be conferees during any 
     House-Senate conference on H.R. 4749 or similar legislation.
       Thank you for your attention to this matter.
           Sincerely,
                                                      Bart Gordon,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                               Committee on Homeland Security,

                                    Washington, DC, June 16, 2008.
     Hon. Bart Gordon,
     Chairman, Committee on Science and Technology, Rayburn House 
         Office Bldg., Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 
     4749, the National Bombing Prevention Act of 2008.
       I appreciate your willingness to work cooperatively on this 
     legislation. I acknowledge that H.R. 4749 contains provisions 
     that fall under the jurisdictional interests of the Committee 
     on Science and Technology. I appreciate your agreement to not 
     seek a sequential referral of this legislation and I 
     acknowledge that your decision to forgo a sequential referral 
     does not waive, alter, or otherwise affect the jurisdiction 
     of the Committee on Science and Technology.
       Further, I recognize that your Committee reserves the right 
     to seek appointment of conferees on the bill for the portions 
     of the bill that are within your jurisdiction and I agree to 
     support such a request.
       I will ensure that this exchange of letters is included in 
     the Congressional Record during floor consideration of H.R. 
     4749, the National Bombing Prevention Act of 2008. I look 
     forward to working with you on this legislation and other 
     matters of great importance to this nation.
           Sincerely,
                                               Bennie G. Thompson,
                                                         Chairman.

  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I yield myself 
such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, before I begin I would ask that the Record include a 
letter from the National Tactical Officers Association to Congressman 
King and Congressman Rogers in support of this bill.

                                                 National Tactical


                                         Officers Association,

                                 Doylestown, PA, January 27, 2008.
     Hon. Peter T. King,
     Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee, Cannon 
         House Office Building, Washington, DC.
     Hon. Mike Rogers,
     Committee Member, Homeland Security and the House Armed 
         Services Committee, Cannon House Office Building, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman King and Congressman Rogers: The National 
     Tactical Officers Association strongly supports Congressman 
     King's Bill (HR4749) amending the Homeland Security Act of 
     2002 to establish the Office for Bombing Prevention and 
     addressing terrorist explosive threats. We also continue to 
     support Senator Collins' and Senator Lieberman's Bill (S2292) 
     to increase funding for the Department of Homeland Security 
     Office for Bombing Prevention. Both amendments provide 
     important resources against the use of terrorist improvised 
     Explosive Devices, including coordination of national and 
     intergovernmental bombing prevention activities, 
     requirements, capabilities, gap analysis and information 
     sharing and awareness.
       The Department of Homeland Security Office for Bombing 
     Prevention coordinates national and intergovernmental bombing 
     prevention activities in our national bombing prevention 
     posture and runs information sharing and awareness programs 
     for State and local governments, law enforcement, first 
     responders, the private sector and the public. As recently 
     demonstrated in Glasgow, London and in daily news reports 
     from Iraq and Afghanistan, terrorist use of IEDs is a primary 
     threat. We commend you for your support and your leadership 
     in focusing the attention of the House and the nation on this 
     serious issue and on the role of the Department of Homeland 
     Security Office for Bombing Prevention in leading national 
     efforts to prevent the use of explosives by terrorists in the 
     United States.
       The NTOA is the professional association for law 
     enforcement personnel, sworn correctional officers, tactical 
     emergency medical personnel, military police and special 
     operations personnel who specialize in the resolution of 
     critical incidents. Since 1983, NTOA has worked to provide 
     professional education, training and research for law 
     enforcement personnel engaged in tactical missions and 
     currently has over 30,000 members representing over 1,600 
     police agencies. NTOA has worked with the Department of 
     Homeland Security Office for Bombing Prevention to integrate 
     SWAT and bomb squad personnel and capabilities to protect 
     soft targets against threats for an armed adversary using 
     explosive devices, as seen in the 2004 Beslan School attack 
     in Russia. OBP provides an invaluable resource to State and 
     local law enforcement through the Tripwire system which 
     allows responders to access an unprecedented library of 
     information and analysis on terrorist IED tactics, techniques 
     and procedures. TRlPwire provides SWAT operators with the 
     knowledge needed to identify explosive hazards, including IED 
     components and potential terrorist tactics, during high risk 
     operations.
       The Department of Homeland Security's Office for Bombing 
     Prevention has been an exemplary partner for its State and 
     local stakeholders in the bombing prevention and law 
     enforcement communities. The National

[[Page 12770]]

     Tactical Officers Association applauds Senator Collins, 
     Senator Lieberman, Representative Rogers and yourself for 
     your support for the bombing prevention community.
           Sincerely,
                                                      John Gnagey,
                                               Executive Director.

  Madam Speaker, the ranking member of Homeland Security, Peter King of 
New York, introduced this bill to authorize the Office of Bombing 
Prevention within the Department of Homeland Security. He would 
obviously be here were he not attending the family funeral for Tim 
Russert, and I am here in his stead.
  The Office of Bombing Prevention provides the necessary analysis and 
coordination of our Nation's bomb prevention capability to best protect 
our citizens from the threat posed by explosive materials. We only need 
to look at terrorist activities overseas to understand that 
conventional and improvised explosive devices, IEDs, are a terrorist's 
weapon of choice against military and civilian targets.
  Within the United States, we have been subject to our own share of 
explosive attacks, including the 1993 World Trade Center bombings, the 
1995 Oklahoma City bombing, the Centennial Olympic Park bombing, among 
others. State and local authorities have developed the capabilities to 
respond to potential explosive threats and to neutralize them.
  As a matter of fact, these are among the bravest men and women that 
we have as our first responders. Yet without the office established in 
this bill, there would be no analysis of our nationwide capability to 
respond to explosive threats, or where gaps exist in training, 
equipment and personnel against a national baseline.
  This analysis will assist State and local officials in applying for 
Homeland Security grants to fill these gaps. As has been mentioned many 
times on this floor, there has been a bipartisan effort through our 
committee to ensure that we take a risk-based approach to the terrorist 
threat. It makes the most sense. It is one that both sides of the aisle 
have been committed to, and this enables that even further.
  Furthermore, this legislation will authorize the Office to continue 
to promote information sharing and IED security awareness through 
advanced bomb prevention techniques and usable information. The Office 
uses a secure Web site known as TRIPwire to provide to bomb prevention 
officials across the country access to current terrorist IED tactics, 
techniques and procedures, along with expert analysis and reports, 
making it a one-stop shop for actionable information.
  As we all know, our troops have had extensive experience with IEDs in 
Iraq and Afghanistan. This legislation instructs the Secretary of 
Homeland Security to work closely with the Department of Defense to 
take advantage of what our troops have learned on the battlefield, both 
in tactics and technology, to improve the capability of our first 
responders here at home.
  Preventing a bomb from going off should involve more than just those 
first responders attempting to neutralize the threat once the bomb has 
been placed. Education and awareness programs regarding the threat of 
IEDs are also included in this legislation to ensure information on 
explosive precursors is provided to merchants so that they can 
recognize suspicious purchases.
  Additionally, this legislation includes an amendment from our 
committee colleague, Mike Rogers of Alabama, to improve the canine 
explosive detection teams in use around the country. These canine teams 
are invaluable resources to detect and deter IED attacks before they 
occur.
  It is important to note that this office is not designed to replace 
existing elements of counter-explosive expertise already found in the 
Federal Government, but, rather, to assist in coordinating State, local 
and tribal capability. In fact, as I said, the National Tactical 
Officers Association supports this legislation in the letter that has 
been entered into the Record.
  The need for this Office of Bombing Prevention is clear. Therefore, I 
urge all of my colleagues to support passage of H.R. 4749.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Al Green).
  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I also thank the 
ranking member.
  Madam Speaker, the people of America can be proud today of what this 
committee is doing. They can be exceedingly proud of the bipartisanship 
that is being displayed between the current chairman and the former 
chairman, both of whom have worked tirelessly to bring this piece of 
legislation to fruition, so I think that today, the people of 
Mississippi and the people of New York should span the chasm and 
understand that bipartisanship is alive and well because of 
representatives that they have sent to the Congress of the United 
States of America.
  I am honored to support and encourage my colleagues to support this 
legislation. It does establish an Office of Bombing Prevention, and if 
the truth be told, whatever amount of money we spend on this 
legislation will be money well spent, money well spent. Protecting the 
American people from persons who would perform dastardly deeds is an 
absolute necessity of the government of the United States of America.
  I am honored to say that the ranking member, without objection, and 
the chairman allowed a piece of legislation, this piece of legislation, 
to be amended so that we could have a public awareness campaign so that 
the public could be a part of protecting itself. If the public is aware 
of the methodologies that are being utilized by those who would perform 
insidious acts, the public can help us to defend ourselves.
  This legislation requires this public awareness campaign. It will 
reach small businesses, it will reach the very large businesses. It 
also will, in an effort to reach all, make sure people are reached who 
are physically challenged, those who are mentally challenged, those who 
may have some language deficiencies. In fact, in my district the ballot 
is printed in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. We must make sure that 
all persons have an opportunity to receive the education and the 
information that this bill requires that we impart to the public.
  To the two outstanding representatives on this committee, the 
chairperson and the former chairperson, I want to salute you, and I 
want to thank you for allowing the amendment to go forward, such that 
it is now a part of the bill.
  In closing, I would simply say, as the chairman pointed out, a well-
informed public is a well-protected public.
  Mr. Chairman, I salute you and I thank you. Mr. Ranking Member, I 
salute you and thank you as well.

                              {time}  1230

  Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of California. Does the gentleman have any 
further speakers?
  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I have no further 
requests for time, and I am prepared to close after the gentleman from 
California closes.
  Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I support this 
National Bombing Prevention Act for 2008.
  As the gentleman who just spoke from the State of Texas has said, 
this is a rather inclusive bill. It has a component of operations and 
training in it; also a component of awareness. And together, they 
combine to make an excellent bill. I urge my colleagues to support this 
bill.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the 
balance of my time.
  Madam Speaker, H.R. 4749 is important legislation that will ensure 
that we are positioned to address explosive threats at all levels of 
government. We know that explosives are all too often terrorists' 
weapons of choice.
  Under HSPD-19, DHS is tasked with researching, identifying, and 
communicating ``lessons learned and best practices, concerning the use 
of explosives as a terrorist weapon'' to enhance ``the preparedness of 
Federal, State,

[[Page 12771]]

local, territorial, and tribal government personnel to deter, prevent, 
detect, protect against, and respond to explosive attacks in the United 
States.''
  Passage of H.R. 4749 will put us on a path to enhance the Nation's 
terrorism response capability and ensure that first responders and 
first preventers have what they need.
  Madam Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on this important homeland 
security measure.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong 
support of H.R. 4749, the National Bombing Prevention Act, introduced 
by my distinguished colleague from New York, Representative King This 
important legislation establishes the Office of Bombing Prevention 
within the Protective Security Coordination Division of the Office of 
Infrastructure Protection of the Department.
  This legislation is a bipartisan bill, whose lead sponsor is the 
Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, Representative 
King, and is also cosponsored by Chairman Thompson. The function of the 
Office of Bombing Prevention already exists in the Department, and this 
bill establishes it in statute. The Office is responsible for 
coordinating the Government efforts to deter, detect, prevent, protect 
against, and respond to terrorist explosive attacks in the United 
States. As we all know, the most likely terrorist threat to our 
Nation's critical infrastructure and transportation modes is from 
explosives.
  Madam Speaker, we need to ensure that the Office of Bombing 
Prevention has the protection of being established by the force of law, 
so the Department can more readily meet the threats to our Nation. This 
legislation requires the Secretary to develop and periodically update a 
national strategy to prevent and prepare for terrorist explosive 
attacks in the United States due 90 days after the date of enactment. 
The Secretary is further required to report to Congress regarding the 
national strategy. This strategy is also called for by Homeland 
Security Presidential Directive-19, Combating Terrorist Use of 
Explosives in the United States, issued by the President in February of 
2007. This legislation also authorizes the Office to support technology 
transfer efforts as well as research into explosives detection and 
mitigation.
  I did, however, have one reservation with regards to this 
legislation, regarding canine procurement, which is why I introduced an 
amendment, which was accepted by the full Committee, to address that 
issue. Dogs are used to detect illicit and illegal substances every 
day. They are used to: detect illegal narcotics; find money that is 
being smuggled out of the country; and locate explosives that may be 
concealed in cargo, within vehicles, on aircraft, in luggage and on 
passengers.
  There is no doubt that every day, the actions of these dogs and their 
handlers significantly contribute toward deterring threats and 
protecting our Nation from terrorists. While the contributions of our 
canine forces are priceless, they are not without cost. We must place a 
price on what we are willing to pay for untrained dogs.
  The Department of Homeland Security's Inspector General has found 
that from April 2006 through June 2007, Customs and Border Protection 
spent $1.46 million on purchasing 322 untrained dogs--that is about 
$4500 per dog. Most of these dogs are purchased in Europe and brought 
to America. These are not fully trained animals. They are puppies that 
will be trained to provide valuable service. I think most people would 
find $4500 for an untrained dog an exorbitant amount.
  However, I cannot deem this amount out of bounds because the 
Department of Defense pays $3500 for each untrained dog. The Secret 
Service pays an average of $4500 for each untrained dog. Therefore, the 
price paid by CBP is within the acceptable range of current practice. 
However, I think that if we are to be good stewards of the American tax 
dollar, we must change the current practice. When one considers that 
domestic breeders offer the same kinds of dogs for $500-$2000, we 
cannot justify what I can only call a puppy tariff.
  My amendment would require the Secretary to explore ways to reduce 
the amount we pay for each dog we purchase by considering the use of 
different breeds, procuring dogs from domestic breeders and seeking out 
dogs from animal shelters or rescue groups. If this Department can 
successfully implement a new method to obtain capable dogs for our 
homeland security needs, we could begin a trend that would save the 
American people millions of dollars each year.
  With the inclusion of my amendment, I am deeply satisfied with this 
legislation. I am proud to support this legislation, which brings our 
great Nation closer to its goal of securing the homeland, and I 
encourage my colleagues to support this important legislation.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance 
of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson) that the House suspend the 
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4749, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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