DAVIS VOTES TO ENACT 9/11 RECOMMENDATIONS January 09, 2007

WASHINGTON, D.C. --U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis today voted to strengthen our national security by implementing the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations remaining after the enactment of the Intelligence Reform bill in 2004. Among the bill’s chief provisions, a requirement to scan 100% of U.S. bound shipping containers, strengthen intelligence and information sharing with local law enforcement, and ensuring communications interoperability for first responders.

"The 9/11 Commission conducted a thorough investigation on how best to protect America from potential disasters and terrorist threats,” said Davis. “Over the past few years Congress has debated the importance of implementing their recommendations. Everyone can agree some of our current policies are lacking and solutions are desperately needed."

One of the key provisions of this legislation, among the many others, will improve our homeland security by requiring 100% of cargo containers be scanned and sealed before being loaded onto ships destined for the United States. Large ports would be given three years to comply and smaller ports five years.

Also, in response to the Commission's "D" grading of the government's current information sharing capabilities, the bill contains several provisions to strengthen intelligence and information sharing with local law enforcement, including the strengthening of state and local intelligence “fusion” centers established to gather, analyze and disseminate potentially homeland security relevant information.

Furthermore, it was reported that adequate and compatible communications among first responders is sorely lacking. An emergency grant program at the Department of Homeland Security would be established to improve the emergency communications capabilities of first responders.