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Congressman Todd Tiahrt. Fourth District of the State of Kansas. Copyright 2005.
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Homeland security
The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 taught us many difficult lessons, including the need to overhaul our federal infrastructure to prioritize national security. Clearly, there were breakdowns in communications of intelligence between different departments and agencies, and that is why Todd wholeheartedly supported President George W. Bush's plan to create the Department of Homeland Security.
The changing nature of threats facing the United States requires that we protect against invisible enemies that can strike at any time. The Homeland Security Act changed the structure of the government to consolidate domestic security functions that were scattered across many departments and agencies. This new Department has four main responsibilities:
• Border and transportation security
• Emergency preparedness and response
• Information analysis and infrastructure protection
• Countermeasures for chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear attacks
Todd is hopeful that placing homeland security functions under the Secretary of Homeland Security has simplified the lines of command under President Bush in our battle against terrorism.
The recent report from the 9/11 Commission made several recommendations as to how we can strengthen our national security. Todd is pleased President Bush and Congress have already begun or completed 36 of the over 40 recommendations, and he will continue to work with his colleagues to see that our national security needs are met.