July 7, 2005

HARMAN: LONDON ATTACKS DEPLORABLE
-- Homeland security response measured and balanced --

WASHINGTON D.C.- U.S. Rep. Jane Harman (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee and a Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement regarding today's bombings in London:

"The attacks in London today are deplorable and demonstrate that we continue to live in an era of terror. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. This tragic day is a huge wake up call that terrorist networks are alive and well.

"Preventing terrorist attacks is tough business. It's impossible to get it right 100% of the time. The terrorists have to be right only once.

"But the notion that we are fighting terrorists in Iraq so we don't have to fight them in our cities is clearly false.

"It is past time to face the fact that the nature of the threat has changed. It is not confined to a battle zone, like Iraq or Afghanistan. It is everywhere.

"I spoke to Secretary Chertoff earlier today who told me he would raise the threat level for the transportation sector to 'Orange.' This response is appropriate and measured. Today is the first time that he is serving as Messenger in Chief. Having one messenger and one coordinated message is the right approach as we also look to reform a broken threat warning system.

"I have also spoken to House Intelligence Committee Chairman Pete Hoekstra to be sure our efforts are coordinated.

"On a personal note, my first information on this tragedy came from my son, who was in London on business. Thankfully he and his wife are safe. But tonight every parent is not as fortunate. My goal is to ensure that we have the most effective strategies in place to prevent and disrupt future attacks on Americans, which could come at any place and at any time."

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