Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the restrictive rule, which does not make in order several key amendments that could go a long way to enhance our security efforts and address serious vulnerabilities.

Today we will consider H.R. 1817, the first-ever authorization measure for the Department of Homeland Security. I want to congratulate Chairman Cox and Ranking Member Thompson on bringing this important bill to the Floor.

While it is not as far-reaching as many of us had hoped, H.R. 1817 takes several critical steps in improving our nation’s security and preparedness. It authorizes sufficient funding to hire an additional 2,000 border patrol agents, which will help us meet the goal of 10,000 new agents over five years set forth in last year’s intelligence reform bill. The measure also streamlines the background check system for those working in sensitive positions, creates an Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity, and requires reform of the homeland security alert system so that more specific and targeted information can be provided to those who need it.

Finally, this bill will improve our intelligence and information-sharing capabilities by allowing new recruiting tools to attract the best-qualified analysts and mandating increased coordination in the dissemination of threat information to state, local and private sector officials.

But this bill could have gone further. While I understand the jurisdictional constraints facing Chairman Cox, I firmly believe that a DHS authorization bill should include critical components like port security, nuclear and chemical facility security, bioterror preparedness, communications interoperability, and rail and transit security. That is why I will be supporting a substitute amendment offered later today by Ranking Member Bennie Thompson. This comprehensive amendment takes the right approach to the homeland security needs that still face our country.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, let me again thank Chairman Cox and Ranking Member Thompson for their hard work on this legislation. It is not a perfect bill, but it is indeed an important and significant first step.