Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, it gives me immense pleasure to rise today in honor of trailblazer, educator and pioneer, Mrs. Emma Brandon.

Mrs. Brandon began teaching right out of high school in 1946 for a wage of $36/month. She walked three miles one way to school and seven miles if weather made the road conditions to difficult to travel.

As a woman, of much wisdom and vision, Mrs. Brandon realized that education required a deep devotion and a substantial amount of hard work from both student and teacher.

Mrs. Brandon began her career at a two-room school on a dirt road next door to Beechland Church where she taught first through fourth grades. Three years later, she became principal and sole teacher at Egypt School in Russum, which was later consolidated into another school.

Mrs. Brandon understood that the task of educating is an enduring and tedious process; one that empowers and benefits individuals, communities and countries, alike.

After years of serving students in Claiborne County, as both an educator and an administrator, Mrs. Brandon earned her bachelor's degree from Alcorn State University. After completing her education at Alcorn, Mrs. Brandon returned to complete her educational career in Claiborne County, MS.

For the last 42 years, Mrs. Brandon has been educating generations of families at A.W. Watson Elementary in Port Gibson, MS where her enthusiasm for learning is abundant. She implemented programs that have strengthened the learning capabilities of her students and challenged them to think critically.

Mrs. Brandon has yielded the guiding principles of education and knowledge to all of whom she has encountered. She believes that each child can enjoy today's promises of a rewarding life if they possess a strong foundation in education.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I ask my colleagues to rise and join me in expressing my gratitude and appreciation to Mrs. Emma Brandon of Port Gibson, Mississippi, for her many contributions to education and her dedication to its principles.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to Lieutenant Colonel Rickey O. Harrington, for 22 years of exceptional service and dedication to the United States Air Force.

Colonel Harrington will be retiring from active duty on September 30, 2010. He has most recently served as the Pentagon's Chief of Air Force Reserve Directorate of Personnel for the Chief Force Support and Sustainment Branch.

As a native of Itta Bena, Mississippi, Colonel Harrington entered the Air Force in 1988 as a distinguished graduate of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps at Mississippi Valley State University.

In October 1988, then Second Lieutenant Harrington began his career as a Personnel Officer in the Consolidated Base Personnel Office at Bergstrom Air Force Base, Texas.

In September of 1990 Colonel Harrington became newly promoted First Lieutenant Harrington and was deployed to Operation Desert Shield/ Desert Storm as Chief, Personnel Support Contingency Operations Team at Al Minhad Air Base, United Arab Emirates providing the full scale support to nearly 3,000 airmen.

Colonel Harrington would go on after this deployment to serve in a variety of staff and leadership positions both stateside and overseas. During his career he has served as a Section Commander, Executive Officer, Squadron Commander, Inspector and Action Officer at the wing and Headquarters level. Most notably, he was on-duty as Executive Officer to the Director of Personnel Accountability at the Air Force Personnel Center responsible for running the Air Force Casualty Operations Center during the bombing of Khobar Towers where 19 brave service men lost their lives and during the airplane crash in Germany carrying then Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown. During this crisis, Colonel Harrington ensured that all levels of leadership were kept abreast of ongoing issues and ensured humane and dignified notification of next of kin while honoring the memory of those who fell in these tragedies.

He also served as the Deputy Support Group Commander at Khandahar Air Base, Afghanistan in 2003 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Over the past 4 years Colonel Harrington has worked tirelessly on behalf of the Air Force Reserve as the lone active duty member on their Personnel Staff.

As the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have led to increased use of our reserve forces, he has championed many initiatives, both in policy and in law, that have enhanced recruiting, retention, benefits and entitlements for these dedicated airmen.

His efforts have helped to sustain a viable, ready trained force capable of meeting the needs of Combatant Commanders to protect our Nation and achieve objectives of national interest.

In addition to upholding the highest standards of professional conduct as a military officer, Colonel Harrington has also labored to enhance the communities he's lived in through his affiliation with various churches, civic organizations and as a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.

Madam Speaker, I ask my Colleagues to join me in expressing our sincere thanks to Colonel Harrington and his family for their unwavering support of our country and their dedication to preserving our Nation's freedom. Congratulations, and thank you for your service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5026, the Grid Reliability and Infrastructure Defense--or GRID-- Act.

As Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I am well aware of the need to protect our Nation's critical infrastructure.

Our Committee has held numerous classified briefings and public hearings on threats to the electric grid. Again and again, we received testimony from expert witnesses that our Nation's electric grid has inadequate protections against cyber attacks and against significant disruptions from electromagnetic threats, EMP, such as solar storms and radio frequency devices.

Further, the Federal Government does not have the authority to ensure its security, nor has it partnered effectively with the private sector to do so.

Protecting our electric grid from EMP will require the best efforts from both government and industry. To date, the electric sector has had a difficult time protecting their assets from EMP threats because although the potential impacts are huge, the frequency of their occurrence is very low.

This is one of those cases where government intervention seems necessary to protect our most important national critical infrastructure.

Last year, I, along with my ranking member Peter King and many other bipartisan members of our Committee introduced H.R. 2195 to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission authority to require protections to be put in place for high impact, low frequency events.

H.R. 5026 is the product of collaborative work between this Committee and our colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee, most notably Chairman Waxman and Representatives Markey and Barrow.

Our electric grid is currently strained to capacity.

We saw during the Northeast Blackout of 2003 what can happen when the strained system finally breaks. That blackout interrupted electricity delivery to 55 million people in the U.S. and Canada. Luckily, major outages only lasted a day or so.

But just imagine what would happen if the power did not come back on for a week, or a month, or several months. What would happen?

An elecromagnetic pulse could make such an incredible scenario a reality.

The one that most people have heard about is from a high altitude burst of a nuclear weapon.

Also of concern are smaller radio or microwave devices, usually termed ``Intentional Electromagnetic Interference'' or ``IEMI''.

Of particular concern are ``geomagnetically induced currents'', GIC, caused by solar activity.

A 2008 National Academy of Sciences report warned that our Sun will inevitably inflict a severe geomagnetic storm with the largest geographic footprint of any natural disaster. The damage caused by this event could be $1 trillion to $2 trillion, and recovery could take 4 to 10 years.

The next period of maximum solar activity is only two years away.

From a homeland security perspective, it is important that we take an ``all hazards'' approach to the risk and increase preparedness for both intentional and naturally occurring events.

While some may argue that the threat of a high-altitude nuclear weapon burst perpetrated by a rogue state or a terrorist group is remote, I do not discount it. Given the high-consequence nature of such an attack, I take it very seriously.

On the other hand, scientists tell us that the likelihood of a severe naturally occurring geomagnetic event capable of crippling our electric grid is 100 percent. It will happen; it is just a question of when.

GIC is a natural occurrence just like earthquakes, wildfires, tornadoes or hurricanes.

Similarly, geomagnetic storms occur from time to time as part of the natural activity of the Sun. One such storm, in 1989, disrupted power throughout most of Quebec, and resulted in auroras as far south as Texas.

With the significant investments we are making in ``Green Energy'' and the ``Smart Grid'', we find ourselves at an opportune moment to protect our grid from an EMP and cyber attacks.

As we expand and improve our grid, we must also build in physical and cyber protections from the start, and we must retrofit key elements of the existing grid in order to protect it.

Federal authority and funding are needed if this effort is to succeed. H.R. 5026 represents a critical step forward in our efforts to meet these homeland security challenges and deserves support from this House.

Therefore, I urge Members to join me and support H.R. 5026.

Madam Speaker, I would like to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Jackson State College shooting that claimed the lives of Phillip Lafayette Gibbs and James Earl Green.

Gibbs was a college student exercising his first amendment right to freedom of speech. Green was a prospective college student looking forward to the opportunity to make his mark during the Civil Rights Movement and define his place in society. Both young men lived in a time and place plagued by racial prejudice and discrimination

Four decades ago, four students were killed at Kent State University (Ohio) when National Guardsmen opened fire on hundreds of unarmed students during an on campus antiwar rally. The killings received national media and public attention and have annually been remembered in the 40 years that followed.

Just 10 days after the Kent State fatal shooting, on May 14, 1970, around 9:30 p.m., rumors began to circulate that Fayette, Mississippi's Mayor Charles Evers (brother of slain civil rights activist Medgar Evers) and his wife had been shot and killed. Protesters, both students and non-students who were still tense from demonstrations held the day before, gathered throughout the campus grounds of Jackson State College, in Jackson, Mississippi to protest. Some protestors damaged property and set a construction truck on fire. About 75 law enforcement officers from both the Jackson Police Department and the Mississippi Highway Patrol arrived on the scene armed with carbines, rifles, submachine guns, shot guns, service revolvers and other undocumented, non-service weapons and began to open fire on the student protesters.

It was not until after nearly 30 seconds of continuous, relentless shooting that officers yelled commands to cease fire. An investigation filed later by the Federal Bureau of Investigations reported that Alexander Hall dormitory had been struck over 450 times by bullets or bullet fragments. In that same report the FBI said no evidence was found to support that any officers had come under fire before the shooting started or that anyone in the immediate crowd of protesters had displayed a weapon. Miraculously, many lives were spared during the ordeal, but sadly two were not.

Phillip Lafayette Gibbs, a 21-year-old junior pre-law student, was shot three times in the head and once under his left armpit. Gibbs, who was married and the father of an 18-month old son was pronounced dead at the scene. James Earl Green, a 17-year-old Jim Hill High School student and track standout, was shot once in the side of the chest. Green, just weeks away from graduation, planned to attend the University of California, Los Angeles, collapsed and died just blocks away from his home. In the early morning hours of May 14, 1970, this country lost two potentially prominent and profound components of the legal and sports world.

Unfortunately, this tragic incident, similar to the Kent State shooting, received no national media coverage.

The FBI investigated the incident as well as President Nixon's Commission on Campus Unrest. Both bodies agreed that the shooting was an, ``. . . unreasonable, unjustified overreaction . . .'', and that a law enforcement response of this nature is, ``. . . never warranted.'' However, no charges or arrest were ever made in the killing of these two young men and justice never prevailed.

In the spirit of remembrance and appreciation I stand before you to bring attention to the loss of two precious lives which sparked the ignition for change for a campus, a community, a state and a nation.

Please join me today in honoring the lives of Phillip Lafayette Gibbs and James Earl Green.

Under clause 2 of rule XII, bills and reports were delivered to the Clerk for printing, and bills referred to as follows;

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi: Committee on Homeland

Security. H.R. 4842. A bill to authorize appropriations for

the Directorate of Science and Technology of the Department

of Homeland Security for fiscal years 2011 and 2012, and for

other purposes; with an amendment, Rept. 111-486, Part 1;

referred to the Committee on Science and Technology for a

period ending not later than June 28, 2010. for consideration

of such provisions of the bill and amendment as fall within

the jurisdiction of that committee pursuant to clause 1(o),

and rule X.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution honoring and expressing support for the vigilance and prompt response of the citizens and law enforcement agencies in New York and Connecticut, as well as Federal authorities, to the attempted terrorist attack in Times Square on May 1, 2010, their exceptional professionalism and investigative work following the attempted attack, and their consistent commitment to preparedness for and collective response to terrorism.

Just less than 54 hours is what it took for Federal law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, to identify, find, and apprehend Mr. Faisal Shahzad, the prime suspect for this attempted act of terror.

During the 54 hours, the New York Police Department, working with Federal and State law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and others identified and began unraveling the tangled web that eventually led to Mr. Shahzad's arrest. This arrest could not have been made without the help of several people and organizations.

First, I commend the alertness and awareness of Mr. Lance Orton and Mr. Duane Jackson for ``seeing something'' and ``saying something'' to law enforcement. If it were not for these citizens, many others could have been hurt and Mr. Shahzad might not have been apprehended. This is the kind of vigilance is vital to our homeland security efforts.

Second, I want to thank the citizens of New York for helping and cooperating with law enforcement during the precautionary evacuations in the vicinity of Times Square. I also want to acknowledge New Yorkers and their resilient nature and ability to return to life as normal.

Third, I want to express my deep appreciation for the professionalism and collective response of the following law enforcement agencies: New York City Police Department, in particular Police Officer Wayne Rhatigan of Mounted Unit Troop B, the Fire Department of New York, the New York Police Department Bomb Squad, led by Lieutenant Mark Torre and other first responders, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Customs and Border Protection, the Transportation Security Administration, the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department, Detective Bureau, Patrol Division, and other law enforcement agencies in Connecticut.

Finally, I want to say that without these citizens and the collaborative effort of law enforcement, we would not have the mountain of evidence we have now, including two additional unnamed suspects in custody. It is also more likely true that according to the Attorney General, the Pakistani Taliban was likely involved in planning this attempted attack. As such, we must remain vigilant against terrorism and our enemies.

Madam Speaker, while I know others may say that we just got lucky this time, I say that they are missing the point. Our post-9/11 efforts to foster greater vigilance among our citizens and a culture of preparedness and collaboration among first responders and law enforcement paid off. Further, we stayed true to our cherished constitutional principals as we initiated this wide-scale collective response to terrorism. As evidenced by what we saw on May 2, 2010, the citizens of New York and this great country are and remain committed to living their lives in the pursuit of the cherished tradition we have celebrated since our country's start and that is the pursuit of freedom.

Madam Chair, I come to the floor today in support of the legislation before us, and to talk about companion efforts that can and should be undertaken to create jobs and ensure that people around the country are better protected from natural disasters. I support providing incentives to homeowners to make their homes energy efficient. However, at the same time, I believe we must help Americans make their homes stronger and safer.

I have long been a proponent of disaster mitigation and resiliency measures, and in fact, have sponsored a number of pieces of legislation that would assist families in strengthening their homes. I have also drafted an amendment to the Home Star bill, which though I did not offer, I am hoping can be the basis for discussions with the House, Senate and Administration as this bill moves forward.

Americans across the country are at risk from natural disasters. Though we cannot easily mitigate the disasters themselves, we can mitigate and lessen their impact. Homes can be strengthened to protect from the devastating effects of hurricanes, earthquakes, flooding, and tornadoes. Strengthening roof attachments, creating water barriers and seals, constructing saferooms, elevating electrical systems, adding storm shutters and roof protection systems are examples of what can be done to save lives and property.

Disaster resiliency not only helps better protect our residents and their property, but it creates jobs and is cost effective. A disaster mitigation program in Florida has found that for every 50 to 75 homes made more resilient, 160 construction jobs are created. Imagine if we were strengthening hundreds of thousands of homes in harm's way. We would create tens of thousands of jobs.

We would also be making a smart investment . . . one that will have significant cost savings. For every $1 spent to strengthen homes and communities, $4 is saved in recovery and rebuilding costs. That is not an insignificant cost savings.

Disaster mitigation also decreases energy use and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. South Carolina's state mitigation program found that installing disaster resiliency measures decreased energy usage by almost 30 percent. And, though not immediate, there are significant energy savings from preventing the destruction, and subsequent rebuilding, of homes and other structures.

Pairing disaster mitigation and energy efficiency retrofits makes sense. Federal programs should be making sure that energy efficient upgrades can withstand known risks, including natural disasters. In coastal areas, that means making sure that windows and doors are wind resistant in addition to being energy efficient, and it means making sure that the roof can withstand wind so that the home, and the energy efficiency work, is not wiped away in the next storm. Strengthening and protecting homes and buildings at the same time as we are making the homes energy efficient will help to protect our federal investment.

Providing incentives for disaster resiliency and mitigation has the support of numerous organizations including environmental groups, taxpayer advocate organizations, and affordable housing advocates. I believe there is widespread support for strengthening homes and buildings in harm's way. I look forward to working with my colleagues either on including incentives in Home Star as it moves forward or as a companion piece of legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding medical contributions of Dr. Robert Smith, Sr. and congratulate him on being honored as a ``Living Legend'' by Central Mississippi Health Services, Incorporated.

A native of Terry, Mississippi, Dr. Smith is no stranger to hard work and has dedicated much of his life to serving others. He earned his Bachelor's of Arts in Chemistry from Tougaloo College in 1957 and his M.D. from Howard University in 1961. Dr. Smith has done extensive postgraduate training at some of the Nation's most prestigious medical institutions such as the University of Mississippi, the University of Tennessee, the Cook County Postgraduate School and the Harvard University. He has an array of professional certifications and has been appointed to a number of administrative, instructional, clinical and hospital positions.

Dr. Smith stood fearlessly on the front lines during Mississippi's Freedom Summer, when civil rights demonstrations were held from Mississippi to Selma, Alabama to Chicago, Illinois, to combat racial inequality.

Equally significant, was as Dr. Smith fought to end inequality for blacks socially, politically and economically, he fought a separate fight in the medical profession. Dr. Smith was instrumental in exposing the racial practices taking place within the American Medical Association. His unwavering commitment to battling acts of racism and discrimination within the medical profession has earned him critical acclaim in national publications such as the New York Times, Time Magazine, Ebony, Brown Magazine, Tufts Medicine and a number of notable scientific publications.

A compassionate man who provides medical care to poor, uninsured and underserved patients, Dr. Smith was the primary founder of the model for the National Neighborhood Health Center Movement which today serves over 17 million Americans.

Dr. Smith was the first African American physician to serve as Chief of Staff at a majority tertiary level hospital in Jackson, Mississippi and has served as a Charter Diplomat and a fellow with the American Board of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

He was one of the lead investigators with the National Research Program for the National Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study at the University of Mississippi Medical Center which is currently known as the Jackson Heart Study.

Dr. Smith over the years has proven to be very instrumental in diabetic studies. He has served as primary care physician for the Central Mississippi Health Service.

He chaired the Committee that oversaw the naming of the first federal building to be named after an African American in the state of Mississippi, the Dr. A.H. McCoy Federal Building, located in Jackson,

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the life and legacy of one of the most prominent figures of the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height.

Dr. Height, a leading voice during the civil rights era, worked side by side with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other pioneers to bring about social justice and equality for African-Americans. Having faced racism much of her young life, she received a scholarship from Barnard College; however, she was turned away because the two-person quota for accepting black females had been reached . . . further thrusting her to fight vigorously to eliminate racial and gender inequality.

Dr. Height, described as the ``glue'' that held together the family of black civil rights leaders, was the most influential and often the only female voice at the table working to emphasize and amplify social injustice across this country.

Familiar with the strength, compassion and courage of women such as Fannie Lou Hamer, at the height of the civil rights movement, Dr. Height helped to organize ``Wednesdays in Mississippi'', a project to create a dialogue of understanding between both interracial and interfaith groups from the North and South.

Dr. Height, through her selfless acts and noble devotion to the movement, encouraged President Dwight D. Eisenhower to desegregate schools and President Lyndon B. Johnson to appoint African-American women to positions in government in the 1960s.

Dr. Height rose through the ranks of leadership and became the President of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) while simultaneously leading the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA), an organization she had been discriminated against by as a child.

Additionally, Dr. Height served as the National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated from 1946-1957 and later helped from the National Black Family Reunion that celebrated and promoted the tradition, tenacity and history of the black family.

Today, I would like to honor the life and eternal legacy of one of our Nation's greatest heroes and humanitarians.

Dr. Height's legacy as one of the 20th century's social justice giants will live forever. Her lifetime of contributions to education, gender equality and broad civil rights issues inspires all, as she was not afraid to tackle the biggest, most looming issues of her day.

For that, we are grateful and eternally indebted.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize the life of Walter ``Mississippi Slim'' Horn, a Mississippi Blues legend.

Known for his trademark bright colorful hair and extravagant costumes, in addition to his popular performances and contributions to the blues genre, bluesman Walter ``Mississippi Slim'' Horn was born in Shelby, Mississippi, August 13, 1943 and grew up in Greenville, Mississippi.

Mississippi Slim, worked on a plantation during the day and sang the blues at night in local juke joints. Eventually, he decided to pursue performing full time and left the Mississippi Delta and joined other blues musicians for the ``big city lights'' of Chicago, Illinois. In 1974, ``Mississippi Slim'', also known as the ``8th Wonder of the World,'' recorded Crying In The Arms of Another Love on Sunflower label.

Having traveled all over the United States, Mississippi Slim returned home in 1994, to be with his ailing mother. Upon his return, he teamed up with musical forces John Horton, Ricky Taliaferro, Albert Folks and Kenny Morris and continued to perform in and around the Mississippi Delta. ``Mississippi Slim'' performed at southern festivals and played on the Mississippi Blues and Heritage festival. A main attraction, he partnered with festival organizers to participate in the Arts In Education: ``Blues in Schools'' project to promote and enhance learning about the culture of the blues.

After releasing a few singles throughout the 1970s, Mississippi Slim recorded a CD, Miracles in 1998, You Cant Loose the Blues in 2008 and recently recorded Cotton Candy Love.

Although we mourn the loss of a prominent Mississippi blues figure, his legacy will live on through his music and legendary performances.''

Please join me in saluting the life and legacy of Mississippi bluesman, Walter ``Mississippi Slim'' Horn.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Mr. LeMarc Humphrey for his heroic actions on Monday February 1, 2010 at Jackson State University. The 21-year-old computer engineer major rushed to the aid of a wounded and stumbling research chemist student, Andrea Scott, after hearing shots behind the John A. People's Science Building Monday night. The gunman fired two shots striking Mrs. Scott in the back of the head, after allegedly trying to rob her. Mr. Humphrey heroically picked Mrs. Scott up out of the pouring rain and rushed her to the hospital to receive needed medical attention.

Madam Speaker, if it were not for the valiant effort of Mr. Humphrey, Andrea may have never had the chance to tell her story. The victim's husband, Bill Scott stated, ``Our country is in desperate need of repair, and when you find a man like LeMarc, you see he was an American and he did something above and beyond the call of duty''. Mr. Scott would like to see Mr. Humphrey nominated for the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Madam Speaker, Mr. LeMarc Humphrey was raised in Jackson, MS. He is currently in the Air Force ROTC and played trombone for the Jackson State University ``Sonic Boom of the South'' Band his freshmen year. After his freshman year, he chose to leave the band to devote more time to the ROTC.

Madam Speaker, this is truly an act of bravery and courage on the behalf of this young man. I salute him for his tremendous act of selflessness and I wish Mrs. Scott a full recovery.

Madam Speaker, this year marks the 20th anniversary of the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO (TTD). It is my distinct pleasure to honor TTD, as it has firmly established itself as an effective advocate for American workers and is a well-respected leader in transportation policy debates.

The threats facing the United States in the 21st Century require all of us to be on the frontlines. Accordingly, TTD has brought workers together from across all sectors of the transportation industry. From aviation to surface transportation, threats to transportation security are broad and cross-cutting, and TTD has helped to bring diverse groups of workers together to speak with a clear, strong voice on issues of common concern.

As Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I know how important transportation workers are to the National homeland security mission. On September 11, 2001, transportation workers witnessed the destruction firsthand, and some workers' lives were, unfortunately, cut short. Since that day, under the leadership of TTD, these men and women have become educated and effective allies and advocates in improving our homeland security. TTD workers are on the front lines, working under stressful, rapidly-changing conditions. Under my leadership, the Committee has taken efforts to support these tireless and dedicated workers by providing them with the tools, training, and protections they deserve. To keep our homeland secure, transportation workers must be trained, prepared, and supported.

TTD has been a strong advocate for ensuring that workers have the training and tools they need to protect their passengers from harm, and their freight shipments from foul play. It has helped workers be free to identify security gaps in an appropriate manner without fear of retribution from their employer. TTD has also been a leading proponent for a strong federal investment in transportation security, one that recognizes that all modes must be fully secured. And it has been invaluable as background check and security credential programs are created for workers--making certain that we are improving security, not just making it more difficult for people to do their jobs.

We are continually reminded that our efforts to strengthen transportation security are far from complete. In these complicated times, the bold and effective voice of TTD is needed more than ever. I congratulate TTD on the important progress it has made on behalf of workers in its first 20 years, and look forward to working with them in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3978, legislation that would permit the Center for Domestic Preparedness to accept gifts and donations in order to better train our Nation's first responders. As Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, I am pleased that the House is considering this legislation today, and I urge my colleagues to support its passage.

Mr. Speaker, the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Center for Domestic Preparedness, Center, is the Nation's leading all-hazards first-responder training center. Located in Anniston, Alabama, the Center has

provided emergency response training to first responders in all fifty States and territories, as well as Federal Government employees, foreign officials, and private entities. The Center is especially well- known internationally for its weapons of mass destruction training facility.

The Center often receives offers of donated goods and services, such as training displays, response equipment, and trailers. These donations would allow the Center to offer stronger training opportunities at a lower cost to the Department of Homeland Security, DHS, and the American taxpayer. Regrettably, the Center does not have the legal authority to accept gifts that would enhance its ability to deliver superior training.

H.R. 3978 would amend the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 CommissionAct of 2007 to permit the Center to receive donated gifts and services that are related to preparedness for and response to terrorism. The legislation further calls on the Secretary of Homeland Security to annually report to Congress on gifts accepted and how such gifts contribute to the mission of the Center.

Other DHS training centers, such as the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, already have the authority to accept gifts and donations. It is only appropriate that the Center also have this authority.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3978 is a straight-forward piece of legislation that will pay immediate dividends for our first responder community. I support its passage and encourage my colleagues to support it as well.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1517, a bipartisan bill authored by Representative Engel and the ranking member on the Committee of Homeland Security, Representative King.

As chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, I am grateful to these members for putting before us today a bill that aims to fix a discrete but important issue at Customs and Border Protection.

In short, this bill gives the Commissioner the authority to noncompetitively convert approximately 35 overseas CBP employees into full-time permanent civil service positions.

These employees were originally hired by the Immigration and Naturalization Service under ``limited overseas appointment'' authority between 1987 and 2003.

Over time, the nature of their work changed, but their employment designation did not.

Since 2005, CBP, the Office of Personnel Management and the Department of State have been trying to fix the glitch, but realize they need the help of Congress.

Doing so will not only ensure that the employees continue to receive the appropriate benefits, but will also provide them with the protections they deserve as dedicated employees serving the CBP mission abroad.

Further, this conversion of employment status will ensure that CBP and the United States honor agreements between our country and our foreign counterparts, such as Ireland, governing U.S. personnel overseas.

Going forward, using the authorities provided to the Commissioner in H.R. 1517, it is my hope that the Commissioner will take the histories of these dedicated 35 individuals into account when applying CBP's rotation policy.

In our attempt to ``right the system,'' CBP should not unduly disrupt the lives of these dedicated individuals, who provide a valuable service to this country.

Madam Speaker, today, the House will consider the end of year appropriations package. In that package, is a one-page provision that risk undermining nearly a decade of rail security efforts by Amtrak. It requires Amtrak to allow passengers at stations that accept checked baggage to check their guns.

There are those who argue that this is a reasonable provision which would simply grant rail travelers the same opportunities as aviation travelers. These people fundamentally miss the point.

The challenges of securing rail are very different than securing aviation. Airports are controlled environments with screeners, checkpoints and multiple law enforcement agencies, rail stations are not. Airline passengers are watch listed, rail passengers are not. Guns that are checked on planes are stored away from passengers. Under this provision, guns could be ``checked'' in the same car as the passenger. This provision is bad security of policy and puts Amtrak passengers and staff and anyone else in rail stations at risk.