Homeland Security

I am working to ensure the safety of our families by strengthening intelligence networks and the capacity of law enforcement to protect the nation from terrorism.

Securing your peace of mind

In the case of an emergency, it is important you know how to protect your family.

• Create an emergency communication plan
• Establish a meeting place
• Collect a disaster supply kit

Important questions to review with your family:

1. What if my children are at school during an emergency?

School personnel are trained to handle emergencies. If protective actions are being taken at your children's school, do not go to the school or call. A call could tie up the phone line that is needed for emergency communications. Tune in to local radio and TV to learn when and where to pick up your children.

2. What should I do if I am forced to leave my home in the event of an emergency?

Plan how you will assemble your family and anticipate where you will go. Choose several destinations in different directions so you have options. A responsible evacuation plan includes a common meeting point for you and your family. Keep a half tank of gas in your car at all times.

3. What else can I do?

Go on with your daily activities. In the event that the government becomes aware of a situation that may be harmful to your health, rest assured the public will be notified via every possible manner and as soon as possible.

Port Security

I expressed concern over the Bush Administration's recent decision to approve a deal that would transfer significant control of U.S. port operations to Dubai Ports World, a government-run company from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The decision of Dubai Ports World to abandon its planned management of six U.S. ports, transferring that responsibility to an American-owned company, helped calm an increasingly tense situation. Such a noble overture highlights the good will of a country that has been a friend to the United States and a strong ally in the Global War on Terrorism.

There are some important lessons to learn from this shakeup:

• Port Security needs to be enhanced.
• Only about 5% of the nearly 2 billion tons of freight that pass through U.S. seaports each year are actually inspected.
• Al Qaeda is reported to own 15 commercials freighters, one of which was responsible for smuggling explosives into Africa before the 1998 bombings of Kenya and Tanzania.
• Congressional oversight is needed for such critical decisions.
• I am a cosponsor of legislation that requires such decisions go through the Committee on Foreign Investment of the United States.