Joining Rep. Johnson on the panel was Frank Disimino from the federal office of Domestic Preparedness, James Duncan the program coordinator for Region 5 of the Homeland Security Department, Carl Hawkinson from Illinois Homeland Security and Richard Jaenhe from the Illinois Fire Institute.  The two-hour Seminar lasted two hours and featured presentations from those individuals who explained the implementation and function of the Department here in Illinois.  It commenced with a question and answer session between the panel and the estimated 100 participants from agencies all over Illinois’ 15th District.  

“The Department of Homeland Security is a brand new, Cabinet-level department in the Bush Administration,” said Johnson.  “I supported its conception and I am behind its mission.  We Americans know too well our vulnerability as a free nation.  In this modern age, as a responsible government, we must figure out ways to secure our country while maintaining the rights guaranteed to our citizens by the Constitution.  Homeland Security cuts from government a lot of administrative bureaucracy and allows for a streamlined agency that has a sole purpose of protecting the American people within our borders.”

Rep. Johnson was pleased with the success of the Homeland Security Seminar, which had participants from all corners of the 15th District.  The Congressman indicated that his staff is prepared to work with local and state law enforcement, emergency personnel and health officials on issues pertaining to Homeland Security.  His District office will spearhead the Homeland Security grant programs and he remains open to suggestions on this brand new federal policy.