Bennie Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1617, the Department of Homeland Security Component Privacy Officer Act of 2009. The Department's Chief Privacy Officer has the distinction of being the first-ever statutorily-created Federal Privacy Officer. Along those same lines, this bill, introduced by Representative Carney, the Chairman of our Management Subcommittee, would make DHS the first Federal agency to have statutorily-required privacy officers in all its major component agencies. To be effective, privacy officers need to be where the action is happening, not waiting for notice after key decisions have already been made. However, currently, if the Department's Chief Privacy Officer needs information concerning programs and policies that impact privacy rights, he has to go through the head of the relevant component. Sometimes this information is shared, sometimes it is not. When it is not, we have seen major privacy missteps, wasted Federal tax dollars, and even cancelled programs. Under this bill, the Transportation Security Administration, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, FEMA, and Coast Guard are among the key components that would receive a privacy officer. Placing Privacy Officers in these key component agencies is the first step in ensuring that privacy protections are in place at the beginning of the policymaking process. This bill was informed by an investigation by the Government Accountability Office, internal discussions with the Department's Office of Privacy, and publications released by the DHS Chief Privacy Officer. Moreover, this legislation was approved overwhelmingly by voice vote when considered by the House in the 110th Congress. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation that will help ensure the effective operations of the Department of Homeland Security.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 730, the ``Nuclear Forensics and Attribution Act,'' was first introduced in the 110th Congress by the gentleman from California, Mr. Schiff. That measure, H.R. 2631, was marked up and adopted unanimously by the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology in October 2007. It was unanimously approved by the Full Committee on Homeland Security on May 20 of 2008 and the House of Representatives on June 18, 2008. Though the measure was taken up, amended, and passed by the Senate in late September, the stars didn't align and it didn't clear the last hurdle to arrive on the President's desk. This Congress, we are getting out of the gate early, in hopes of ensuring that this critical homeland security legislation becomes law. I would like to congratulate Congressman Schiff, my colleagues on the Committee for recognizing the need to move quickly. We know that our enemies, both terrorists and rogue nations, are interested in developing and using nuclear or radiological weapons. In the case of an attempted or, heaven forbid, a successful nuclear or radiological attack, rapid attribution is critical. Our government must have the capacity to quickly determine the source of the nuclear material so that the key decision-makers have the information needed to respond. The deterrent effect of a robust nuclear forensics capability should not be underestimated. Certainly, if terrorists know that we have a nuclear forensics capability that can pinpoint their role in creating a bomb, they are bound to have second thoughts. Unfortunately, today, the U.S. must rely on forensic expertise and technology developed during the Cold War to address both nuclear weapons and the emerging threat of a radiological ``dirty'' bomb. The nuclear weapons workforce is aging just as its mission has shifted from traditional deterrence policy to the more complicated challenge of containing the terrorist threat. Our Nation's capabilities in the scientific fields of radio-chemistry and geo-chemistry must be fostered to meet this new threat. That is the purpose of this bill. H.R. 730 expresses the sense of Congress that the President should pursue international agreements and develop protocols to share sensitive information needed to identify the source of a nuclear detonation. I am heartened that the Obama Administration has indicated its willingness to engage in and re-energize such activities. It also tasks the Secretary of Homeland Security with the mission of developing methods to attribute nuclear or radiological material--both within the Department's Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, DNDO, and in partnership with other Federal agencies. The legislation emphasizes that the development of a robust nuclear forensics capability depends chiefly on an expertly trained workforce in this area and provides support for education programs relevant to nuclear forensics. H.R. 730 also--authorizes the National Technical Nuclear Forensics Center, NTNFC, to enhance centralized planning and integration of Federal nuclear forensics activities; requires the Secretary to report annually to Congress on the Federal Government's efforts to enhance its nuclear forensics capabilities, including the status of workforce development programs; and authorizes $30 million per year for the next three fiscal years for this effort. H.R. 730 continues the Homeland Security Committee's practice of authorizing programs and offices within DHS that are of value to the agency's mission in order to assure that the work can continue and progress can be achieved in the years to come. I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1148, a bill that will enhance the Department of Homeland Security's ability to execute its border security mission in the maritime environment. Specifically, H.R. 1148 seeks to enhance DHS's ability to harness technology successfully piloted by the Coast Guard and US-VISIT program since November 2006 to identify dangerous people before they enter our shores. Under this program, biometrics collected from individuals interdicted--at sea--are run, in real time, against our terrorist and criminal databases. Today, state-of-the-art handheld scanners are used by DHS personnel to collect biometric information from individuals encountered at sea. As of March 3, 2009, DHS has collected biometric information from 2,455 individuals interdicted in the Mona Pass--the 90-mile stretch between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Through these checks, nearly 600 people have been found to have outstanding wants and warrants in the U.S. Federal prosecutors have successfully prosecuted 271 or 45% of the matched individuals. This program is appropriately targeted to help break the cycle of individuals who are known criminals or criminal suspects being repatriated through U.S. borders, without prosecution. It is also worth noting that, as considered today, the Secretary of Homeland Security is given wide discretion to come up with the parameters of the maritime biometric program, including a determination as to which DHS components will participate. Last Congress, nearly identical legislation was passed in the House by a vote of 394 to 3, with one Member voting present. I am committed to working with Secretary Napolitano, Representative Bilirakis and other key stakeholders to ensure that the language of H.R. 1148 is clarified and strengthened as it moves through the legislative process. I urge passage of this important homeland security legislation that will help enhance the security of our maritime borders.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 201, which recognizes the life of Beverly Eckert, a co-founder of ``Voices of September 11th'' and the widow of Sean Rooney, who was killed in the Twin Towers on September 11th. Ms. Eckert worked tirelessly for ``Voices of September 11th,'' an advocacy and support group of widows, mothers, and children of the victims of 9/11, which served as a driving force for intelligence and homeland security in the wake of the attacks of September 11, 2001. After the attacks, Beverly Eckert focused all of her emotions into organized advocacy for government accountability and future transparency to make our Nation more secure. Ms. Eckert was faced with opposition and indifference, but she continued to press forward in her fact-finding and preventative efforts. Her strong, constant voice led to the creation of the National Commission on Terrorists Attack Upon the United States--or the 9/11 Commission. After the Commission's formation, Eckert continued her mission by participating in hearings and demanding implementation of the Commission's recommendations. During testimony as a member of the 9/11 Commission's Family Steering Committee, Eckert praised the Commission for their efforts to completely inform the public as to the failures on September 11th through public hearings and reports. She also warned Congressional members and the White House in regards to the Commission's recommendations that, unlike other commission recommendations, implementation of 9/11 Commission recommendations would be necessary because ``there is no shelf on which they can be hidden.'' To that end she successfully pushed for the passage of the ``Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007.'' In conclusion, Beverly Eckert was a tenacious citizen who nudged and prodded the leaders of this Nation to look at their mistakes and implement the steps to correct them. Ms. Eckert was not interested in partisanship, fear-mongering, or saber-rattling. She was a woman who made sure that the death of her husband and those who died on September 11th would not be in vain. In that process, she reinforced the message that you can make a difference and that we, as a nation, should not give into the fear of terrorism. I urge my colleagues to support the resolution and formally recognize Ms. Beverly Eckert for her continued work to ensure that the victims and families of the September 11th attacks are never forgotten and to ensure that our country is protected from such attacks in the future.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H.R. 842, a bill to designate the United States Courthouse under construction in Jackson, Mississippi, as the R. Jess Brown United States Courthouse. Mr. Speaker, R. Jess Brown was born September 12, 1912, in Coffeyville, Kansas. His parents, Ernestine and Joe Brown, were jazz musicians, vaudeville performers and theater managers. Jess received a bachelor of science in industrial arts from Illinois State Normal University and a master of science in education in the area of industrial education from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. After teaching at Alcorn State University, Mr. Brown moved to Jackson, Mississippi, where he taught industrial arts at Lanier High School, the only black high school in the City of Jackson, Mississippi, at that time. While teaching at Lanier, Mr. Brown became an intervening plaintiff in a lawsuit that sought equal pay for all teachers in Jackson, Mississippi. After teaching in Jackson, Jess attended Texas Southern University Law School. Jess left the law school before receiving his juris doctorate, but was able to go back to Mississippi and pass the Mississippi bar in 1953. After passing the bar, Mr. Brown began practicing law in Vicksburg, Mississippi. As a young lawyer, Jess confined his practice to cases involving divorces, deeds, land titles and other practices that did not disturb white members of the bar. However, after the Brown v. Topeka Board of Education ruling, Brown felt compelled to defend the civil rights of African Americans. In the fall of 1955, the conditions and hardships endured by black lawyers in the courts led Mr. Brown and seven other black attorneys to establish the Magnolia Bar Association. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Brown is credited with filing the first civil rights lawsuit in Mississippi. This lawsuit, on behalf of a Jefferson County minister, challenged laws that prevented blacks from voting. Mr. Speaker, R. Jess Brown has an extensive record as a civil rights lawyer. Among his many cases, Mr. Brown represented Clyde Kennard after he was arrested while trying to enroll at the University of Southern Mississippi. Jess served as co-counsel for James Meredith's lawsuit to enter the University of Mississippi. This case was the ultimate cause of the integration of that university. Mr. Brown represented Dr. Gilbert Mason when he and others were arrested in their efforts to end racial segregation on the beaches of Biloxi, Mississippi. He represented Medgar Evers and Dr. Aaron Henry as they fought for civil rights in the 1960s and 1970s. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Brown was admitted to practice law before all courts in Mississippi, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Brown also served on the executive board of the National Bar Association for approximately 15 years. Mr. Speaker, on January 2, 1990, R. Jess Brown died in Jackson, Mississippi, at the age of 77. Mr. Speaker, R. Jess Brown did many great things for the people of Mississippi, and he has received many accolades for his accomplishments. As I stand here today, in part because of the efforts of Jess Brown, I can think of few other people as worthy of having their name on the Mississippi courthouse under construction in Jackson, Mississippi, as R. Jess Brown. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 842.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 195. As Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, it is an honor for me to join Mr. Bilirakis in recognizing the employees of the Department of Homeland Security on the sixth anniversary of the Department's inception. Since its creation, the Department's mission has continued to grow and evolve. While the initial impetus for the Department's creation was the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11th, the Department has since grown into an agency that is charged with not only protecting us from terrorism, but also protecting us from dangerous goods, emerging threats, and coordinating response to catastrophic incidents. Despite a host of challenges and repeated internal reorganization, the Department's employees have worked tirelessly to ensure continued security for all Americans. Their dedication in the face of frequent internal adversity is to be commended. The Department's employee workforce represents hundreds of occupations, from scientists to emergency managers to border patrol agents to economists. And, although the make-up of the Department is diverse and employee responsibilities are plentiful, all of its employees are united in carrying out the Department's mission to protect the American people, reduce the risk of terrorist attacks, and enhance the Nation's preparedness and response capabilities. I pledge to them, that I will continue to work to ensure that employees have the necessary resources and training to do their jobs. These dedicated individuals should also be afforded with full protections and rights that are given to other employees in the federal government. As the Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, I have repeatedly challenged the Department's senior leaders to make the Department a top-notch agency. I believe that the Department's workforce cannot be taken for granted. With the change in leadership at DHS, there is a real opportunity to improve morale by investing in the men and women that help keep the nation secure. I look forward to working with Secretary Napolitano and the rest of the Department's leadership to make sure that they get the training, resources, and support that they need. I urge my colleagues to support the resolution and thank the men and women who make up the Department of Homeland Security for their constant vigilance and commitment.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the life and legacy of Mr. Bennie Gooden, a dedicated civil servant who contributed so much to the lives of others in Mississippi. His dedication to public service began with his tenure as a teacher in Coahoma Agricultural High School and later Dean of Men at Coahoma Community College. Afterward, he transitioned to being the first Project Director for the HeadStart Program in Coahoma and Tunica Counties. Madam Speaker, not only did Bennie serve in the arena of education, but he was an advocate of affordable housing for all. In 1969, he led the Chapel Hill Baptist Church in the ownership and development of a 100-unit housing development, Chapel Hill Heights. He was a Certified Real Estate Manager, CREM, and managed multi-family housing units throughout the Southeast in a career which spanned 35 years. One can understand why his name, particularly in the Mississippi Delta, is synonymous with ``housing.'' Madam Speaker, Bennie amassed many honors and was involved with an impressive list of religious, civic and community endeavors in his life, which include: being a member of the Coahoma County Branch NAACP for more than 50 years, past President of the Aaron E. Henry Community Health Services Center, Inc., he served on the Advisory Board of the Lower Mississippi Delta Development Commission, he was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to serve on the Board of Directors of the National Institute for the Building Sciences, and he received the Medgar Evers Award for Outstanding Civic Community Leadership, and the Coahoma County Branch NAACP Spirit and Freedom Award. Without Bennie Gooden's support, I would not be in the position I am today. Madam Speaker, I'm grateful for his presence in my life and the lives of Mississippians all around our great state.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, pursuant to Rule XI, Clause 2(a)(2) of the Rules of the House of Representatives, I respectfully submit the rules for the 111th Congress for the Committee on Homeland Security for publication in the Congressional Record. The Committee adopted these rules by unanimous consent, with a quorum being present, at our organizational meeting on February 4, 2009. Committee on Homeland Security, Committee Rules, Adopted February 4, 2009 rule i.--general provisions (A) Applicability of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives.--The Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives (the ``House'') are the rules of the Committee on Homeland Security (the ``Committee'') and its subcommittees insofar as applicable. (B) Applicability to Subcommittees.--Except where the terms ``Full Committee'' and ``subcommittee'' are specifically mentioned, the following rules shall apply to the Committee's subcommittees and their respective Chairmen and Ranking Minority Members to the same extent as they apply to the Full Committee and its Chairman and Ranking Minority Member. (C) Appointments by the Chairman.--The Chairman shall designate a Member of the Majority party to serve as Vice Chairman of the Full Committee. The Vice Chairman of the Full Committee shall preside at any meeting or hearing of the Full Committee during the temporary absence of the Chairman. In the absence of both the Chairman and Vice Chairman, the Chairman's designee shall preside. (D) Recommendation of Conferees.--Whenever the Speaker of the House is to appoint a conference committee on a matter within the jurisdiction of the Full Committee, the Chairman shall recommend to the Speaker of the House conferees from the Full Committee. In making recommendations of Minority Members as conferees, the Chairman shall do so with the concurrence of the Ranking Minority Member of the Committee. (E) Motions to Disagree.--The Chairman is directed to offer a motion under clause 1 of Rule XXII of the Rules of the House whenever the Chairman considers it appropriate. (F) Committee Website.--The Chairman shall maintain an official Committee website for the purposes of furthering the Committee's legislative and oversight responsibilities, including communicating information about the Committee's activities to Committee Members, other Members, and the public at large. The Ranking Minority Member may maintain a similar website for the same purposes. rule ii.--time of meetings (A) Regular Meeting Date.--The regular meeting date and time for the transaction of business of the Full Committee shall be on the first Wednesday that the House is in Session each month, unless otherwise directed by the Chairman. (B) Additional Meetings.--At the discretion of the Chairman, additional meetings of the Committee may be scheduled for the consideration of any legislation or other matters pending before the Committee or to conduct other Committee business. The Committee shall meet for such purposes pursuant to the call of the Chairman. (C) Consideration.--Except in the case of a special meeting held under clause 2(c)(2) of House Rule XI, the determination of the business to be considered at each meeting of the Committee shall be made by the Chairman. rule iii.--notice and publication (A) Notice.-- (1) Hearings.--Pursuant to clause 2(g)(3) of rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Chairman of the Committee shall make public announcement of the date, place, and subject matter of any hearing before the Full Committee or subcommittee at least one week before the commencement of the hearing. However, if the Chairman of the Committee, with the concurrence of the Ranking Minority Member, determines that there is good cause to begin the hearing sooner, or if the Committee so determines by majority vote, a quorum being present for the transaction of business, the Chairman shall make the announcement at the earliest possible date. The names of all witnesses scheduled to appear at such hearing shall be provided to Members no later than 48 hours prior to the commencement of such hearing. (2) Meetings.--The date, time, place and subject matter of any meeting, other than a hearing or a regularly scheduled meeting, shall be announced at least 36 hours in advance of a meeting, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal Holidays except when the House is in session on such a day, to take place on a day the House is in session, and 72 hours in advance of a meeting, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal Holidays except when the House is in session on such a day, to take place on a day the House is not in session, except in the case of a special meeting called under clause 2(c)(2) of House Rule XI. These notice requirements may be waived by the Chairman with the concurrence of the Ranking Minority Member. (a) Copies of any measure to be considered for approval by the Committee at any meeting, including any mark, print or amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be provided to the Members at least 24 hours in advance. (b) The requirement in subsection (a) may be waived or abridged by the Chairman, with advance notice to the Ranking Minority Member. (3) Publication.--The meeting or hearing announcement shall be promptly published in the Daily Digest portion of the Congressional Record. To the greatest extent practicable, meeting announcements shall be entered into the Committee scheduling service of the House Information Resources. Rule IV.--OPEN MEETINGS AND HEARINGS; BROADCASTING (A) Open Meetings.--All meetings and hearings of the Committee shall be open to the public including to radio, television, and still photography coverage, except as provided by Rule XI of the Rules of the House or when the Committee, in open session and with a majority present, determines by recorded vote that all or part of the remainder of that hearing on that day shall be closed to the public because disclosure of testimony, evidence, or other matters to be considered would endanger the national security, compromise sensitive law enforcement information, tend to defame, degrade or incriminate a witness, or violate any law or rule of the House of Representatives. (B) Broadcasting.--Whenever any hearing or meeting conducted by the Committee is open to the public, the Committee shall permit that hearing or meeting to be covered by television broadcast, internet broadcast, print media, and still photography, or by any of such methods of coverage, in accordance with the provisions of clause 4 of Rule XI of the Rules of the House. Operation and use of any Committee operated broadcast system shall be fair and nonpartisan and in accordance with clause 4(b) of Rule XI and all other applicable rules of the Committee and the House. Priority shall be given by the Committee to members of the Press Galleries. (C) Transcripts.--A transcript shall be made of the testimony of each witness appearing before the Committee during a Committee hearing. All transcripts of meetings or hearings that are open to the public shall be made available. Rule V.--PROCEDURES FOR MEETINGS AND HEARINGS (A) Opening Statements.--At any meeting of the Committee, the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member shall be entitled to present oral opening statements of five minutes each. Other Members may submit written opening statements for the record. The Chairman presiding over the meeting may permit additional opening statements by other Members of the Full Committee or of that subcommittee, with the concurrence of the Ranking Minority Member. (B) The Five-Minute Rule.--The time any one Member may address the Committee on any bill, motion, or other matter under consideration by the Committee shall not exceed five minutes, and then only when the Member has been recognized by the Chairman, except that this time limit may be extended when permitted by unanimous consent. (C) Postponement of Vote.--The Chairman may postpone further proceedings when a record vote is ordered on the question of approving any measure or matter or adopting an amendment. The Chairman may resume proceedings on a postponed vote at any time, provided that all reasonable steps have been taken to notify Members of the resumption of such proceedings. When proceedings resume on a postponed question, notwithstanding any intervening order for the previous question, an underlying proposition shall remain subject to further debate or amendment to the same extent as when the question was postponed. (D) Contempt Procedures.--No recommendation that a person be cited for contempt of Congress shall be forwarded to the House unless and until the Full Committee has, upon notice to all its Members, met and considered the alleged contempt. The person to be cited for contempt shall be afforded, upon notice of at least 72 hours, an opportunity to state why he or she should not be held in contempt prior to a vote of the Full Committee, with a quorum being present, on the question whether to forward such recommendation to the House. Such statement shall be, in the discretion of the Chairman, either in writing or in person before the Full Committee. Rule VI.--WITNESSES (A) Questioning of Witnesses.-- (1) Questioning of witnesses by Members will be conducted under the five-minute rule unless the Committee adopts a motion permitted by House Rule XI (2)(j)(2). (2) In questioning witnesses under the 5-minute rule, the Chairman and the Ranking Minority Member shall first be recognized. In a subcommittee meeting or hearing, the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Full Committee are then recognized. All other Members that arrive before the commencement of the meeting or hearing will be recognized in the order of seniority on the Committee, alternating between Majority and Minority Members. Committee Members arriving after the commencement of the hearing shall be recognized in order of appearance, alternating between Majority and Minority Members, after all Members present at the beginning of the hearing have been recognized. Each Member shall be recognized at least once before any Member is given a second opportunity to question a witness. (3) The Chairman, in consultation with the Ranking Minority Member, or the Committee by motion, may permit an extension of the period of questioning of a witness beyond five minutes but the time allotted must be equally apportioned to the Majority party and the Minority and may not exceed one hour in the aggregate. (4) The Chairman, in consultation with the Ranking Minority Member, or the Committee by motion, may permit Committee staff of the Majority and Minority to question a witness for a specified period of time, but the time allotted must be equally apportioned to the Majority and Minority staff and may not exceed one hour in the aggregate. (B) Minority Witnesses.--Whenever a hearing is conducted by the Committee upon any measure or matter, the Minority party Members on the Committee shall be entitled, upon request to the Chairman by a Majority of those Minority Members before the completion of such hearing, to call witnesses selected by the Minority to testify with respect to that measure or matter during at least one day of hearing thereon. (C) Oath or Affirmation.--The Chairman of the Committee or any Member designated by the Chairman, may administer an oath to any witness. (D) Statements by Witnesses.-- (1) Consistent with the notice given, witnesses shall submit a prepared or written statement for the record of the proceedings (including, where practicable, an electronic copy) with the Clerk of the Committee no less than 48 hours in advance of the witness's appearance before the Committee. Unless the 48 hour requirement is waived or otherwise modified by the Chairman after consultation with the Ranking Minority Member, the failure to comply with this requirement may result in the exclusion of the written testimony from the hearing record and/or the barring of an oral presentation of the testimony. (2) To the greatest extent practicable, the written testimony of each witness appearing in a non-governmental capacity shall include a curriculum vitae and a disclosure of the amount and source (by agency and program) of any Federal grant (or subgrant thereof) or contract (or subcontract thereof) received during the current fiscal year or either of the two preceding fiscal years by the witness or by an entity represented by the witness to the extent that such information is relevant to the subject matter of, and the witness' representational capacity at, the hearing. Rule VII.--QUORUM Quorum Requirements.--Two Members shall constitute a quorum for purposes of taking testimony and receiving evidence. One- third of the Members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum for conducting business, except for (1) reporting a measure or recommendation; (2) closing Committee meetings to the public, pursuant to Committee Rule IV; (3) authorizing the issuance of subpoenas; and (4) any other action for which an actual majority quorum is required by any rule of the House of Representatives or by law. The Chairman shall make reasonable efforts, including consultation with the Ranking Minority Member when scheduling meetings and hearings, to ensure that a quorum for any purpose will include at least one Minority Member of the Committee. Rule VIII.--DECORUM (A) Breaches of Decorum.--The Chairman may punish breaches of order and decorum, by censure and exclusion from the hearing; and the Committee may cite the offender to the House for contempt. (B) Access to Dais.--Access to the dais before, during, and after a hearing, markup, or other meeting of the Committee shall be limited to Members and Staff of the Committee. Subject to availability of space on the dais, Committee Members' personal staff may be present on the dais during a hearing if their employing Member is seated on the dais and during a markup or other meeting if their employing Member is the author of a measure or amendment under consideration by the Committee, but only during the time that the measure or amendment is under active consideration by the Committee, or otherwise at the discretion of the Chairman or Ranking Minority Member. (C) Wireless Communications Use Prohibited.--During a hearing, mark-up, or other meeting of the Committee, ringing or audible sounds or conversational use of cellular telephones or other electronic devices is prohibited in the Committee room.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlelady from New York (Ms. Clarke) who has championed this issue ever since her arrival on the Homeland Security Committee. And obviously this is her bill and we support it.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 559) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish an appeal and redress process for individuals wrongly delayed or prohibited from boarding a flight, or denied a right, benefit, or privilege, and for other purposes.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill, and I yield myself as much time as I may consume. H.R. 559, the Fair, Accurate, Secure, and Timely Redress Act--or the FAST Redress Act--was first introduced by Representative Clarke in the last Congress. Ms. Clarke is to be commended for her effort in steering this legislation through the House in a cooperative, bipartisan way. H.R. 559 was marked up and was approved on a bipartisan basis by the Committee's Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee in the last Congress. Last June, the bill was unanimously passed by the House, but unfortunately, it was not signed into law. With our new President, I believe this bill will soon become law. Everyone complains about the lack of sanity in the watch list process, but few have dared to wade into all the ins and outs of the system. Representative Clarke has done just that, and this legislation is the product of her thoughtful undertaking. As you know, Mr. Speaker, this issue is of great concern to me as well. We must have prudent security policies, and these policies must ensure that people are not improperly identified as potential terrorists or are on any watch list or database. This bill promotes security while also protecting civil liberties. President Obama's swearing-in began a new era in our homeland and national security policies, and smart legislation, like these measures before us today, will be well served by our new leadership. Certainly, the practice of watch-listing individuals plays an important role in identifying possible terror suspects. It is important to keep in mind that the watch list is only as good as the information on it. Without accurate, complete and reliable information, the purpose of a watch list is frustrated, and the database becomes unreliable. Fixing the watch list and reducing misidentifications is a particularly difficult challenge. To meet this challenge, all of the intelligence and law enforcement components that populate the list need to come together and need to agree to clean it up. Unfortunately, this has not happened. Since February 2007, over 32,000 Americans have sought redress through the DHS Traveler and Redress Inquiry Program, also known as DHS TRIP. Each individual voluntarily provides personal information to establish his or her identity. When there is a determination that this person is not a threat, his name is placed on a cleared list that is maintained by the Transportation Security Administration. This cleared list is populated with names of individuals who have the same or similar names as someone on the no fly or selectee list, but they have proven that they are not the people on the list. The cleared list is then only shared with the airlines for screening purposes, not with all other agencies that use the watch list. Under H.R. 559, the updated information would be shared throughout DHS and with other Federal agencies that use the terrorist watch list or database. This would ensure that individuals who are cleared under the redress process are not stopped as potential terrorists by other Federal agencies. Specifically, H.R. 559 requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish the Office of Appeals and Redress to provide a timely and fair redress process. The Office of Appeals and Redress is directed to maintain a comprehensive cleared list that contains the names of individuals who have been misidentified and who have corrected erroneous information. The comprehensive cleared list would be made available to those who would use the terrorist watch list or database to resolve misidentification. The bill directs TSA, CBP, the Coast Guard, and other DHS components to reference the Comprehensive Cleared List when assessing the security risk of an individual. This will ensure that individuals, such as our esteemed colleague from Georgia, Congressman John Lewis, will not be repeatedly stopped or delayed or will not have to seek redress from different components in the same Federal agency. Importantly, the measure includes protections to ensure that personally identifiable information is handled in accordance with privacy laws. Once enacted, individuals who go through the trouble of clearing their names will not have to repeat the exercise again and again. With the inauguration of President Obama, America enters a new chapter, and this bill moves our security policies forward in a manner that protects our homeland and our civil liberties. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of every John Lewis and others who are frequently misidentified on the watch list, I urge swift passage of this bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, while the practice of watch listing individuals plays an important role in identifying possible terrorist suspects, we must keep in mind that the watch list is only as good as the information on it. Without accurate, complete, and reliable information, misidentifications persist. The database becomes unreliable, and the purpose of the watch list is frustrated leaving America vulnerable. For the watch list to truly be cleaned up, there needs to be direction from the Obama administration to all of the consumers of the list throughout the Federal Government that the way the list is populated and maintained needs reformed. The intelligence community, Federal law enforcement, and DHS must all come together in order to revamp the watch list. In the absence of reform, America needs an immediate remedy. The FAST Redress Act provides just that. I urge swift passage of this bill, H.R. 559. Ensuring that business travel and other Americans can fly without being misidentified against a terrorist watch list will also stimulate the economy. Air travel is already distressed. Inter-rhetoric against a solid stimulus bill does little to make things right. Mr. Speaker, this bill moves our security policies forward in a manner that protects our homeland and our civil liberties. I encourage the passage of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 553) to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a strategy to prevent the over-classification of homeland security and other information and to promote the sharing of unclassified homeland security and other information, and for other purposes.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I would like to include an exchange of letters between the distinguished chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and myself. House of Representatives, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Washington, DC, February 2, 2009. Hon. Bennie G. Thompson, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Thompson: I am writing about H.R. 553, the Reducing Over- Classification Act of 2009, which was introduced by Rep. Harman on January 15, 2009, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security. I appreciate your effort to consult with the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform regarding H.R. 553. In particular, I appreciate your willingness to work with me to move a governmentwide over-classification bill to the House floor in the near future. In the interest of expediting consideration of H.R. 553 and in recognition of your efforts to address my concerns, the Oversight Committee will not request a sequential referral of this bill. I would, however, request your support for the appointment of conferees from the Oversight Committee should H.R. 553 or a similar Senate bill be considered in conference with the Senate. Notwithstanding the Oversight Committee's agreement to forgo a sequential referral, I believe it is important to reiterate my general concern about H.R. 553 as it applies to the Department of Homeland Security. H.R. 553 creates procedures for the Homeland Security Department to follow in order to reduce the over-classification of information. Several congressional investigations and the 9/11 Commission have emphasized, however, that over-classification is a governmentwide problem that requires a governmentwide solution. Accordingly, I favor an approach that requires all agencies to follow the same classification protocols and encourages the sharing of information between agencies and with the public to the maximum extent possible. Again, thank you for your efforts to address my concerns with H.R. 553. I look forward to working with you to reduce the significant problem of over-classification throughout the federal government. This letter should not be construed as a waiver of the Oversight Committee's legislative jurisdiction over subjects addressed in H.R. 553 that fall within the jurisdiction of the Oversight Committee. Please include our exchange of letters on this matter in the Congressional Record during consideration of this legislation on the House floor. Sincerely, Edolphus Towns, Chairman.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I yield, for as much time as she may consume, to the gentlewoman from California, the person who sponsored the legislation, Ms. Harman.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the chairman of the Management Information Oversight Subcommittee, Mr. Carney from Pennsylvania.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers and I am prepared to close if the gentleman from Texas is.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. I reserve.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close. I do not have any more speakers.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Let me first thank Ms. Harman for her leadership on this bill. She brought it up through her subcommittee on Homeland Security and in the full committee. Mr. Reichert, who is no longer on the committee, was ranking member. As already noted, it passed out of the committee unanimously, and it was passed here on the floor likewise. So, basically, any hesitation or reservation on this bill is being noted for the first time, and I would hope that we do not mix a good bill with other politics of this body. For that reason, Mr. Speaker, we have new leadership here in Washington. It is committed to change for our Nation. With this bill, we have a profound opportunity to deliver a change for the better at the Department of Homeland Security. The overclassification of materials impedes information sharing with State, local and tribal law enforcement. It also impedes information sharing with the owners and operators of critical infrastructure. Given that over 85 percent of our Nation's critical infrastructure, including electrical grids, airports, power plants, and mass transit systems, are all in the hands of nongovernmental entities, it is critical that DHS establish robust, stable lines of communication. Last year, this legislation, as I indicated, was passed unanimously out of the committee, and was approved by this House by voice vote. Today, we have the opportunity to send it over to the Senate with another strong message for change. Before I yield back, I want to express my profound disappointment that this bipartisan bill is seen as an opportunity for empty partisan attacks dealing with the economic stimulus. It is fine to attack the stimulus, but you need to attack it in its consistent form and not just attack it in good bills like this--bills that pass bipartisan in our committee and again by voice vote on the floor. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time and urge passage of the bill.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 549) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish an appeal and redress process for individuals wrongly delayed or prohibited from boarding a flight, or denied a right, benefit, or privilege, and for other purposes, as amended.

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 and insert extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to include in the Record an exchange of letters between the distinguished chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology and myself. Committee on Science and Technology, Washington, DC, January 15, 2009. Hon. Bennie G. Thompson, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, Ford House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman, I am writing to you concerning the jurisdictional interest of the Committee on Science and Technology in H.R. 549, the National Bombing Prevention Act of 2009. H.R. 549 was introduced by Congressman Peter T. King on January 15, 2009. H.R. 549 is identical to the reported version of H.R. 4749 from the 110th Congress. H.R. 549 implicates the Committee on Science and Technology's jurisdiction over Homeland Security research and development under Rule X(1)(o)(14) of the House Rules. The Committee on Science and Technology acknowledges the importance of H.R. 549 and the need for the legislation to move expeditiously. Therefore, while we have a valid claim to jurisdiction over this bill, I agree not to request a sequential referral. This, of course, is conditional on our mutual understanding that nothing in this legislation or my decision to forgo a sequential referral waives, reduces, or otherwise affects the jurisdiction of the Committee on Science and Technology, and that a copy of this letter and of your response will be included in the Congressional Record when the bill is considered on the House Floor. The Committee on Science and Technology also expects that you will support our request to be conferees during any House-Senate conference on H.R. 549 or similar legislation. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Bart Gordon, Chairman.