Bennie Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, my manager's amendment strengthens H.R. 1684 by adding some things and taking out some others. Ninety-two percent of the provisions that I am seeking to have removed were items offered for the first time in the committee's mark-up. They were good ideas, but we haven't had the benefit of giving these novel ideas the full consideration they deserve. After the mark-up, I had the opportunity to speak with a number of chairs who had a shared interest in these items. Collaboration is a wonderful thing, Mr. Chairman. In some cases, they offered suggestions to make the bill better. Those changes are contained in this amendment. In other cases, they offered to work together on these issues and other legislative vehicles. So, as a testament to the collaborative spirit of this majority, I offer this amendment. I am well aware that some of my Republican colleagues are complaining about what my amendment does. I am reminded of what LBJ once told an audience: ``Perhaps you can help. Don't just complain, develop a better doctrine.'' This Congress, we're developing a better doctrine. It is important to look at this milestone in context. Let me provide a little lesson on the Committee of Homeland Security's history. In 2003, the year the committee was created, then Chairman Chris Cox failed to put forth an authorization bill. In 2004, Chairman Cox scheduled his first markup of an authorization bill but barely got half the committee Republicans to show up. Outnumbered by Democrats, the markup was cancelled after opening statements. Even if the markup had proceeded, it was still 2 months late, as the appropriations bill had passed a month earlier. In 2005, Mr. Cox was still a day late and a dollar short in getting the bill passed through the House. The appropriation bill still came first. In 2006, the committee took two steps back. My colleague from New York didn't even mark up an authorization bill until late July, a month and a half after the appropriation bill passed the House. His bill never even went to the floor for a vote. Come on, now. We've all learned Legislation 101, that Congress first authorizes, then appropriates. Today, under Democratic leadership, we are considering a timely, thorough and thoughtful authorization bill that has the input of numerous committees. This is the earliest a Homeland Security authorization bill has ever appeared on the floor. It also bears mention that it is on the floor before the appropriations bill. America is not interested in congressional infighting but in getting the job done. We are doing just that. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support my manager's amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of the time for closing. First of all, let me pay tribute to my colleague from New York, Ranking Member King. We have worked very well on this bill. This is the first time that we have done an authorization bill before an appropriation bill. We are trying to establish jurisdiction for this committee going forward. This is the first Democratic effort in that direction. Some of us would have preferred a broader bill, but my colleague understands that, given the nature of Congress and the nature of how we do business, sometimes that's not practical. What I did was brought, through this manager's amendment, which you will see after this debate, a bill that we all have agreement on, even the chairmen of the various communities of jurisdiction. So I am committed, just like the ranking member and most Members in Congress, to support the Department of Homeland Security, to make sure that we defend ourselves against terrorists abroad as well as terrorists at home, to make sure that we respond to disasters regardless of what nature they come in. But in order to do that, we need a robust organization. We need someone with accountability. This bill, H.R. 1684, builds on that. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to vote ``aye'' on H.R. 1684.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, at this time, I will insert into the Record letters from the American Federation of Government Employees and The National Treasury Employees Union in support of this legislation. American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO, Washington, DC, May 7, 2007. Dear Representative: On behalf of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents 26,000 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) workers, I strongly urge you to vote in support of passage of H.R. 1684, the Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. The legislation responds to many issues AFGE has raised on behalf of the Border Patrol Agents, Customs and Border Protection Officers, Transportation Security Officers, Federal Protective Service Officers and other workers important to the agency's mission of keeping our country safe. H.R. 1684 supports DHS workers by repealing the portion of MAXHR (the agency's flawed attempt to re-make civil service rules and protections) relating to employee appeal rights and performance management goals. The repeal of these provisions is of great importance because DHS has stated its intention to implement MAXHR regulations on employee appeal rights and performance management goals despite the likelihood that they will be overturned in federal court. The legislation also restores statutory authority for collective bargaining rights for DHS workers because the DHS regulations establishing a new collective bargaining system have been overturned by the courts. The reinstatement of fairness in DHS workplace rules and procedures is vitally important to keeping the expertise of highly trained, committed homeland security professionals at the agency. H.R. 1684 recognizes the legitimate law enforcement responsibilities of Customs and Border Patrol Officers by including them in the federal Law Enforcement Retirement System, and strengthens Border Patrol Officer recruitment and retention measures, which will ensure that there are adequate personnel available to patrol our borders. The legislation also includes provisions that will prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement from implementing its unsound plan to eliminate police officers and special agents at the Federal Protective Service. H.R. 1684 recognizes that worker security in the DHS workplace facilitates greater homeland security for us all. The workers at DHS have performed above and beyond the call of duty, even with bad workplace rules and policies. H.R. 1684 recognizes the contribution of the men and women on the front lines of security and provides them with the resources necessary to ensure that they continue to provide the best security in the world today. AFGE again strongly urges you to vote in support of

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Rodriguez) for his willingness to work with the committee. I know very well how important border security is to his constituents and how hard he has worked since returning to Congress to keep his community safe and bring the necessary resources to Federal, State and local law enforcement on the border. I certainly appreciate his expertise on border security issues. I look forward to working with him to ensure that our brave law enforcement men and women receive the assistance they need to keep border communities in our Nation safe and secure.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, for the purpose of a colloquy, I would like to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I now yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Langevin). (Mr. LANGEVIN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I thank Mr. Kirk as well as Mr. Lipinski for bringing this to the committee's attention. I agree with the gentleman that the issue of airport security badges must be examined in closer detail. I share your commitment to securing our airports and look forward to working with you on this issue in the Homeland Security Committee.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from south Texas (Mr. Cuellar).

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Etheridge). (Mr. ETHERIDGE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3\1/2\ minutes to a former member of the committee, who is still very much interested in homeland security, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell).

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I now recognize the chairman of the Transportation Subcommittee, Ms. Jackson-Lee, for 2\1/ 2\ minutes. (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Thank you very much. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell). (Mr. DINGELL asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, how much time is remaining on both sides?

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I wish to help the gentlelady from Florida. If you will check, the data sharing and the child predator requirements are left in the bill. They're not taken out. I just want to make sure that you have the latest version of the bill in that respect. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlelady from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I now recognize the gentlelady from California for 2 minutes, Ms. Harman. (Ms. HARMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from Maryland, our majority leader, Mr. Hoyer.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I also yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, today we are considering H.R. 1684. This bill takes important steps to build capacity, provide resources, and ensure accountability at the Department of Homeland Security. H.R. 1684 authorizes $39.8 billion in appropriations for the Department. This is $2.1 billion more than the President requested in his budget earlier this year. This bill sends a message to the President, America's security cannot be done on the cheap. Congress will not stand by as he cuts programs that help our hometown heroes protect our communities. In this bill, we reinstate critical funding for first responder programs like the State Homeland Security grant program and FIRE Act grants. In addition to authorizing funds, H.R. 1684 addresses issues that some of the committee's oversight efforts have exposed. For example, it has become obvious to us that the Department has no long-term vision. We created a Directorate of Policy to do just that. This office will also focus on private-sector partnerships, tribal security, and school security. As another tool to help the Department get its house in order, we created a Comprehensive Homeland Security Review. This legislation also strengthens interagency coordination and supports integrating DHS at a single headquarters. The Inspector General, GAO and the committee have all observed that DHS is spending a lot of money with little accountability. In the past few years, we have seen ice trucks take the scenic routes to disasters, trailers rotting in Arkansas, and border cameras packed away in warehouses. All of this waste was on the taxpayers' dime. No more. H.R. 1684 gives the Inspector General sharper teeth to investigate disaster response and border security programs. The bill strengthens the integrity in the agency's contracting practices and promotes small business opportunities. This bill makes sure our Homeland Security agency is buying its uniforms and equipment here at home from U.S. sources. H.R. 1684 covers numerous other areas, including biosecurity, intelligence and cyber security. Mr. Chairman, this bill is part of the real deal. It's the sixth Homeland Security bill that Democrats have brought to the floor since January. Only two bills made it to the floor last year in a Republican- led House. This Congress, we passed a 9/11 bill; and staff discussions have begun in preparation for a Member conference. We also passed bills on rail security, Homeland Security technology, international cooperation, and employee morale. Winston Churchill once said, ``The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty. `` In H.R. 1684, we have an opportunity to protect our homeland. We can be naysayers and complain about bureaucratic bungling, or we can tackle head on the difficult issues of Homeland Security. I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill that puts DHS on the path to becoming the agency that Congress envisioned and the American people deserve. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 1684.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlelady for her gracious 5 minutes to talk on this rule. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this rule. The Committee on Homeland Security is the only committee explicitly charged with overseeing the Department's organization and administration. We don't take this responsibility lightly. This Congress, we have held dozens of oversight hearings. The topics of each hearing may have been different, but the basic message from the Department was pretty much the same: Don't blame us for not having our House in order. We have high turnover. We don't have a headquarters. We don't have the authorities we need to be a leader on issues such as bio-preparedness and cybersecurity. We don't have the authorities we need to integrate 22 agencies into one competent unit. H.R. 1684 takes away all the excuses. Under this bill, the Department is provided the resources, accountability and authority needed to finally become the Federal agency that Congress envisioned and the American people deserve. Every day, we get another reminder of the urgent nature of the homeland security mission. Just yesterday, we learned that six individuals are in custody on charges of plotting to attack the U.S. Army base at Fort Dix. We don't need to have the luxury of giving DHS time to step up to the challenges of becoming a functional organization. I introduced, Mr. Speaker, this bipartisan bill with Ranking Member King. The full committee, by recorded vote of 26-0, voted to order it favorably to the House. I am pleased that the Rules Committee is allowing so many amendments to be considered today. I look forward to an active debate and the opportunity to present my manager's amendment. The manager's amendment is a product of discussion with other Members of the House and other House committees who have jurisdictional interest in aspects of this legislation. I'm very pleased to bring this bill to the floor for consideration by the full House. Today, Members of the House of Representatives will have an opportunity to do something they have not been able to do in 2 years. They will get to cast a vote in favor of authorizing the Department of Homeland Security. What's more, Mr. Speaker, they will get to vote to restore funding to critical first-responder programs that the President's budget would eliminate or severely cut. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the rule and on the underlying bill.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize two police officers from nearby Fairfax County, Virginia who served their community with great honor and distinction. Today marks the first anniversary of when Detective Vicky Anne Owen Armel and Master Police Officer Michael E. Garbarino were shot in the line of duty during a shooting incident at the Sully District Police Station in Chantilly, Virginia. Detective Armel was killed while engaging and exchanging gunfire with the shooter. Master Police Officer Garbarino succumbed on May 17, 2006 to injuries sustained when the shooter opened fire on him in the Station's parking lot. Despite being shot five times, Master Police Officer Garbarino managed to get on the police radio to notify and warn fellow officers. The two line-of-duty slayings were the first in the 66-year history of the 1,364-member Fairfax County Police Department. Detective Vicky Armel, badge 2806, spent 17 years as a dedicated law enforcement officer', eight years with the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office, and the last nine with the Fairfax County Police Department. Detective Armel is remembered for many things, including her devotion to family, faith, and an upbeat and positive attitude. Master Police Officer Michael Garbarino, badge 1417, spent 23 years as a dedicated law enforcement officer with the Fairfax County Police Department. MPO Garbarino, also known as ``Gabby,'' was admired and respected by those who knew and worked with him. He is remembered for his devotion to family, faith, willingness to lend a helping hand, and his sense of humor. Both are missed every day by family, friends, fellow officers, and citizens of the community. Both are remembered as mentors and role models. The courage, honor and valor exemplified by Detective Armel and MPO Garbarino serve as a reminder for us to remember, celebrate and thank police officers and first responders for their dedication and service to the community and our Nation.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize the work of Captain Langston D. Smith, who has completed 30 years of active duty in the Dental Corps of the United States Navy. Captain Langston Delano Smith was born in the Richland Community of Pickens in Holmes County, Mississippi. He is the eldest of six children born to the late Mr. James A. Smith, Sr. and Mrs. Elma Maxine Howard Smith. He attended Humphreys County McNair Elementary School and William Sullivan High School, formerly Durant Attendance Center. Captain Smith received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Jackson State University in 1967. After obtaining his B.S. degree, he taught science for a year in the Jackson Public School District in Jackson, Mississippi. He, then, went on to Morehead State University, in Morehead, Kentucky, where he earned a Master of Science Degree in Biology in 1969 and a Master of Higher Education in Administration in 1973. While attending Morehead State, he was an Assistant Professor of Biology and the Assistant Director of Housing at the university. In September 1973, Captain Smith entered dental school at the University of Kentucky and graduated in 1977 with his DMD degree. After graduating from the University of Kentucky, he entered active duty and received orders to the Naval Training Center in San Diego, California. From 1982 to 1987, Capt. Smith was an Adjunct Associate Professor of Biology at Chapman College. In 1987, he received orders to the National Naval Dental School in Bethesda, Maryland, where he completed his residency. Captain Langston Smith, in 2002, reported to the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery as Director of Clinical Operations Division for Navy Dentistry, later becoming Director of Health care Support, with the responsibility for coordinating planning and policy for Naval dental care. Captain Smith is currently assigned as Director of Clinical Services in the Office of Integration, National Capitol Area in Bethesda, Maryland. Captain Langston Smith is a very accomplished man. He is a member of a number of professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, American Association of Endodontists, American Board of Endodontics; and, social and civic organizations, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, and Colesville United Methodist Church. He has received a number of military and non-military awards, which includes the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Humanitarian Medal, Alpha Phi Alpha Man of the Year in 1976, 1982 and 1996, Nominated for the NAACP Springard Award in 2002, and Outstanding African American Alumni (Torch of Excellence Award), College of Dentistry, University of Kentucky in 2005. Captain Langston Delano Smith has garnered the personal and professional respect of his community, patients, and colleagues. I would like to commend Captain Langston Delano Smith for his 30 years of service in the Dental Corps of the United States Navy, and wish him much success in his future endeavors.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker. I would like to congratulate the Indianola Gentry High School ``Lady Rams'' Girls Basketball Team and Head Coach Charles Williams for their perfect 2006- 2007 Season, 4A State Championship and Mississippi High School Activities Association Grand Slam Championship. The Indianola Gentry High School ``Lady Rams'' Girls Basketball Team had a stellar basketball season this year. They began the season ranked No. 2 in The Clarion-Ledger Super 10, and finished 40-0 to become the first Mississippi High School Activities Association team (boys or girls) to go unbeaten since the Yazoo County Lady Panthers did it in the 1999-2000 season. In the process, the Class 4A State Champion Lady Rams staked their claim as the undisputed best team in Mississippi by knocking off the 5A Champions, Murrah High School ``Lady Mustangs'' Girls Basketball Team of Jackson, ranked No. 1 in the Super 10 and No. 14 nationally by USA Today, in a 63-58 victory. On the journey to be the Mississippi State Championship, the Lady Rams won the Coahoma County Tournament, the Ram Holiday Classic Tournament, the NCAC Tournament, the Division 3-4A Tournament, the North State Tournament, and of course the 4A State Tournament and the Mississippi High School Activities Association Grand Slam Championship. The Lady Rams had a phenomenal group of people that lead them to the championship. The basketball team consisted of Sarita Cooper, Veronica Walker, Laneisha Jennie, Jerrica Crawford, Brittney Crawford, Jasmine Walker, Ashney Simpson, Jessica Huggins, Chrysanthemum Hawthorne, Cecily Hutchenson, Brizanna Washington, and Taconka Johnson. They were lead by Head Coach Charles Williams, two Assistant Coaches, Ella Hamilton and Mary Elmore. The managers, Felecia Jones, Paula Galloway, Ambroshia Hope, Kenyon Butler, and Bryan Hargrove, assisted the team in their endeavors. In addition to the team's accomplishments, there were some players who received individual recognition: Sarita Cooper and Veronica Walker received All-District, All-Conference, and All-State; and Laneisha Jennie received All-Conference and All-State. I would like to take this time to commend and congratulate the Indianola Gentry High School ``Lady Rams'' Girls Basketball Team for being the Mississippi High School Activities Association Grand Slam Champions. They have brought pride to their school, city, and State.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, today, I am introducing the Secure Visa Waiver Travel Act of 2007. Dating back to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) has been a highly successful program that allows nationals of designated countries to travel to the United States visa-free for up to 90 days for temporary business or tourism. VWP countries are required to grant reciprocal visa-free travel to Americans. The VWP has been a boost for tourism and commerce between the United States and the 27 countries that currently participate. For this reason, many other countries hope to join the VWP. There is strong support within the Administration, the business community, and among our allies and friends for Congress to take up legislation to expand the VWP. I also support expansion of the VWP, and that is why I am introducing this bill. The VWP has been beneficial to American tourism and businesses. However, the VWP also has serious security vulnerabilities; both ``shoe-bomber'' Richard Reid and convicted al-Qaeda operative Zacarias Moussaoui traveled under the VWP. As we consider ways to expand the VWP, I believe security considerations must be foremost in our minds. The United States must enhance partnerships with VWP countries to ensure that terrorists and those who would violate our laws cannot travel visa-free. I believe my bill accomplishes this. As a prerequisite to expansion, my bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to implement an effective biometric air border exit system, US-VISIT air exit, so we can know at all times who is in our country. My bill also requires that VWP travelers be screened against terrorist and criminal watch lists and that VWP countries report all lost and stolen passports, so these passports cannot be used by terrorists and criminals. We must also improve information-sharing with our VWP partner countries to be able to know whether a traveler might present a threat to the U.S. In addition, before admitting new countries to the VWP, DHS must consider other security factors, such as the country's passport standards, airport security, whether the country has an effective air marshal program, and whether its nationals have a history of compliance with our immigration and other laws. My bill maintains the requirement that the nationals of a VWP country demonstrate they will comply with our immigration laws. Some who advocate expanding the Visa Waiver Program say that preventing terrorism should be our only concern and that we should not consider whether a country's nationals have a history of immigration violations or visa overstays. While preventing terrorist travel is our primary security concern, it is not our only security concern. As we have seen in recent worksite enforcement actions, persons living and working in the U.S. illegally can also present security risks to our citizens and our economy, such as engaging in identity theft, or they can be exploited by criminal or terrorist elements. Robust border security, where we have control of who enters and leaves our country and know they are here for legitimate purposes, must be central to any expansion of the VWP. To that end, I am pleased to offer an approach to accomplishing this goal--the Secure Visa Waiver Travel Act of 2007.