Thread: Homeland security lags in U.S.

http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/n ... 585075.htm

Posted on Wed, Jan. 31, 2007

APPROPRIATIONS PANEL

Experts: Homeland security lags in U.S.
With lawmaker from N.C. at helm, House subcommittee convenes
BARBARA BARRETT
McClatchy Newspapers

WASHINGTON - With the thunk of a small wooden mallet, U.S. Rep. David Price, D-N.C., called to order Tuesday the first hearing since he took charge of the House subcommittee responsible for how homeland security dollars are spent.

During hours of testimony, experts said that five years after 9-11, the United States remains woefully disorganized in protecting its homeland.

Dollars have been wasted for frivolous purchases, they said. Corporations haven't stepped up to their responsibilities. The individuals most Americans would see during a catastrophe -- their local firefighters and public health officials -- don't have basic equipment to talk with one another.

And so far, homeland security standards have been more of an option than a federal requirement.

"There's some signs of progress but signs of falling short as well," said Price, a Chapel Hill Democrat. "We need much more integrated efforts with local and state governments and private industry. There should be not just expectations but standards."

To get those standards, panelists said, Congress should step up its oversight of the Department of Homeland Security.

"Congress needs to do its job," said Tim Roemer, a 9-11 Commission member and former congressman. "If you protect everywhere, you are weak everywhere. We have to set priorities."

Tuesday's hearing was the first for the Appropriations subcommittee on Homeland Security. In coming months, Price expects to hold nearly two dozen hearings to help shape a budget for the department that tops $30 billion.

"The department's mode of operations is far too often reactive instead of proactive," Price said.

Former Sen. Gary Hart, co-chairman of the U.S. Commission on National Security, said a national strategy is still needed for homeland security.

But there also were warnings about trying to overprotect the country. James Carafano of the Heritage Foundation said terrorists are flexible, and that protected trains would simply lead them to schoolyards.

Carafano said the panel should spend its money on offense, rather than defense.

There were plenty of other recommendations for Congress. Among them:

• Make the National Guard responsible for homeland security.

• Pay more attention to the border with Canada and U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico.

• Allow local and state officials to rotate into jobs at federal agencies.

Isn't it amazing they didn't mention the Mexican border as being an area to pay more attention to. I would like to know when homeland security is going to catch more of those Cubans on boats before the make land. Today we had even more come to shore on the nude beach at Haulover Park and the county impounded the Maxim boat that brought them here. This is occuring every week if not more often.