News from Congresswoman Jane Harman

Congresswoman Jane harman - Press Release

May 02, 2002

Harman And Bipartisan Group of Legislators Introduce Homeland Security Legislation

-- "Homeland Security is the least divisive issue in America right now because we all have the same goal - to prevent another attack. The question is, how to do it." --

WASHINGTON D.C. - Rep. Harman, Ranking Member on the House Intelligence Subcommittee on Terrorism and Homeland Security, and a bipartisan group of lawmakers today introduced bicameral homeland security legislation that would establish a cabinet-level Department of National Homeland Security and a White House office to develop and coordinate a national strategy to combat terrorism.

Congresswoman Harman introduces homeland security legislation with Senate Intelligence Chairman Bob Graham (D-FL, left) and Senator Joe Lieberman (D-Conn., right)

The new bill combines the essence of legislation Harman introduced with Rep. Jim Gibbons (H.R. 3026), with legislation introduced by Sen. Lieberman (S 1534) and Rep. Thornberry (H.R. 1158)

Harman said, "Today's event makes clear that Congress is poised to move these bills and give Tom Ridge the tools he needs and to help reorganize the federal government to protect our homeland.

"The top three priorities for homeland security are organization, organization, and organization. Without it, we will waste scarce dollars and fail to address critical vulnerabilities."

Harman cited a comprehensive study of Homeland Security released earlier in the week by the respected Brookings Institution in Washington, DC. Of the report, Harman said, "It would have been better if the Brookings report supplemented a strategy from the Administration, but the Administration is still in search of a Homeland Security strategy. Brookings has a strategy but is in search of an Administration. The bill we introduce today will provide a strategy."

Harman was joined by Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT), Senator Bob Graham (D-FL), and Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA), as well as House colleagues Mac Thornberry (R-TX), Ellen Tauscher (D-CA), and Jim Gibbons (R-NV).

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