BANGOR -- Senator Susan Collins, who is Chairman of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee which oversees homeland security, released the following statement with regard to Homeland Security Department Secretary Tom Ridge's announcement this afternoon that the US terror threat level has been increased from elevated to high: "Secretary Ridge has reminded us that there remains an active community of terrorists who seek to harm Americans both at home and abroad, particularly during the holiday season. I believe that the increase in the threat level accurately reflects the threat assessment of our intelligence agencies."
"As the Secretary pointed out, an increased threat level is accompanied by an increase in diligence on the part of American citizens, and a better opportunity to avert terror attacks.
Senator Collins was notified by a Department official of the Secretary''s decision prior to his public announcement.