News from Congresswoman Jane Harman

Congresswoman Jane harman - Press Release

March 25, 2002

HARMAN & HOUSE INTELLIGENCE MEMBERS TOUR LA COUNTY'S EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER, RECEIVE BRIEFING FROM TERRORISM EARLY WARNING GROUP

-- Homeland Security Information Sharing Act Receives
Strong Support From State and Local Law Enforcement --

LOS ANGELES - Representative Harman, House Intelligence Subcommittee on Terrorism and Homeland Security Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), Subcommittee Chairman, and House Intelligence Committee colleagues Sanford Bishop (D-GA) and Silvestre Reyes (D-TX), today toured the LA County Sheriff's Emergency Operations Center (EOC), and received a briefing from LA County's Terrorism Early Warning Group, headed by Captain Mike Grossman, and George Vinson, Governor Davis' advisor on homeland security.

"Los Angeles County is well-prepared for a major terrorist attack," said Harman. "The Terrorism Early Warning Group is a model for coordinating resources and sharing information in the fight against terrorism. But as advanced as Los Angeles is, it still lacks an interoperable communications network and does not receive real time information from the FBI and CIA it needs to best prevent terrorist attack. These gaps are being addressed by our Intelligence Subcommittee."

Representatives Chambliss and Harman have introduced the Homeland Security Information Sharing Act, which directs federal intelligence agencies such as the FBI and CIA to share information about possible terrorist attacks with the nation's governors, mayors and first responders. The Act is being cosponsored by almost all Members of the House Intelligence Committee and has the strong support of California Governor Gray Davis, The International Union of Police Associations, the National League of Cities, and Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca.

"We must quickly enact this critical legislation to provide first responders with all the necessary tools and information they need to thwart or respond to another attack," said Harman.

"Los Angeles county has taken great strides to protect the local community from possible threats and attacks with well prepared local law enforcement and emergency responders and first rate technology," Chambliss said. "While their efforts are to be commended, I agree with my colleague Jane Harman that more must be done. The Subcommittee on Terrorism continues to explore the issue of information sharing between agencies, and the legislation we have introduced will be the first step in eliminating some of the gaps that exist between federal agencies and local law enforcement."

In addition to visiting the EOC, the Intelligence Committee members toured several major defense and intelligence companies and the Space and Missile Command at Los Angeles Air Force Base. The tours focused on classified programs that produce cutting edge intelligence technologies to collect and analyze information in the war against terrorism.

Of the visits, Harman stated, "I have long said that the South Bay region of Southern California is the aerospace capital of the world, and I'm very proud of the contribution the region makes to our national defense, intelligence, and economy. The House Intelligence Committee has long recognized the importance of these companies, and I will continue to support the development and production of assets in the South Bay."

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