Susan sponsors a forum to discuss San Diego’s homeland security issues.

On the Issues

Homeland Security

Since coming to Washington, D.C., Susan has played an important role in implementing recommendations of the bipartisan 9/11 Commission by reforming the way our intelligence and law enforcement agencies do business. Susan has also fought to bring national attention to San Diego's unique scientific and technological capabilities that can help protect Americans against terrorist threats.  Representing an urban district with vitally important infrastructure, Susan is keenly aware of the various challenges that remain, and she continues to work hard at addressing them effectively.  In fact, Susan lead an effort with her California colleagues to ensure that San Diego is allowed to compete for much needed federal homeland security funds.  While she hopes that the Obama Administration will make improvements to the Homeland Security Department, Susan will keep pressure on homeland security agencies to ensure San Diegans are secure.

Border security is a key component of homeland security and an important issue in our community.  Susan believes that Congress needs to work with the Obama Administration to secure our borders.  Our dedicated border professionals deserve both our support and the tools they need to accomplish their mission.  We need to focus on "smart borders'' and develop a comprehensive plan.  Only then will we truly secure our borders and ensure the safety of Americans.  The simple fact is, this is not a simple problem and will not be solved by simple solutions such as blindly erecting a fence.  Acting without taking into consideration the needs of the area and the men and women who work on the front lines of our borders is not an effective method.

It is extremely important to know who is entering our country and who is already here.  Susan supports strengthening our borders by improving surveillance technology, deploying more border patrol agents, and providing them with the materials they need to effectively do their jobs.  Although erecting a security fence in specifically targeted areas may be necessary, Susan believes this action must be part of a much larger comprehensive plan and she has always supported providing our dedicated agents the tools and resources they need to accomplish their missions.  She is hopeful that, in the 111th Congress, we will be able to address the flaws in border management.