"The creation of the Department of Homeland Security is the next step in our efforts to secure our nation against another terrorist attack," said Senator Susan Collins. "Currently, as many as 100 federal agencies are responsible for homeland security, but not one has homeland security as its primary mission. When that many entities are responsible, nobody is really accountable, and turf battles and bureaucratic disputes are inevitable. If we are to overcome these problems and create a national security structure that can defend our nation, then we must unite the current patchwork of governmental entities into a new Department of Homeland Security."
The new Department of Homeland Security would work to secure U.S. borders, ports, the transportation sector, and critical infrastructure. It would synthesize and analyze homeland security intelligence from multiple sources, lessening the possibility of intelligence breakdowns. Furthermore, the new domestic security structure would coordinate federal communications regarding threats and preparedness with state and local governments as well as private industry.
"During the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee's consideration of this bill, I expressed concern that, in our efforts to create a new Department, we protect the roles of institutions and agencies that are important to America's economic and social fabric. In particular, I believe the Coast Guard's traditional functions- such as search and rescue and marine resource protection - must be protected and maintained," said Senator Collins. "I have no doubt the Coast Guard plays an essential role in homeland security, and I believe that it should play a leading role in the New Department. I am concerned, however, that if the current resource allocation is maintained, and the Coast Guard assumes new responsibilities, its traditional missions will be sacrificed."
In Maine, the Coast Guard performs about 300 search and rescue missions. These missions are literally a matter of life and death. Since October 1999, fourteen fishermen have lost their lives off the coast of Maine. Commercial fishing is one of the most dangerous occupations. Senator Collins, along with Senator Stevens, addressed these concerns during the Governmental Affairs Committee's mark-up of this bill. They offered a successful amendment to preserve the traditional functions of the Coastguard, establishing the right balance between the homeland security functions and its traditional functions. "It is also important that we remember those on the front lines of any emergency: our police, our firefighters or. EMS personnel," said Senator Collins. "Using the committee mark-up, I worked to amend the bill to strengthen the role of first-responders in homeland security. This much-needed provision will enhance cooperation and coordinating among state and local first responders and the new Department, and will designate at least one person in each state to be a homeland security liaison."
Senator Collins also offered, along with Senator Carnahan, an amendment that would help our community fire departments by expanding the current grant program called the FIRE program. Their amendment will provide fire debarments the ability to receive maximum grants of 100,000 dollars over three years to hire personnel.
"The new Department of Homeland Security is an essential component of our response to current and future threats," said Senator Collins. " As the brutal attacks of September 11th demonstrated, distance from our enemies and the barrier of oceans no longer suffice to protect our nation. This bill is an important step in making our homeland secure."
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