http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=62178



Democrats Unveil Mobile Billboard to Highlight Republican Weakness on Security; Photo of Mobile Billboard Included

3/10/2006 12:47:00 PM


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To: National and State Desk

Contact: Luis Miranda of the DNC Press Office, 202-863-8148

WASHINGTON, March 10 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Following is a release from the Democratic National Committee:

Democrats in Memphis, Tennessee, are unveiling a mobile billboard today calling on national Republicans, who are in town for a conference, to answer why they have stood in the way of improving our port security, and why they stood in the way of Democratic efforts to stop outsourcing the operation of our nation's ports.

The event comes as the AP reports that despite yesterday's news that Dubai Ports World would withdraw from the controversial ports deal the Bush Administration approved, it actually finalized the $6.8 billion takeover the very same day. An NPR report today also confirms that the foreign government-owned DP World is not only the official owner of the company that runs the ports, but that the company's statement never actually committed to selling its assets, and even if it did, "selling a terminal operation can take months." (AP, 3/10/06; NPR, 3/10/06)

President Bush and the Republicans in Congress have a four- year history of standing in the way of Democratic efforts to improve port and overall homeland security. Starting with Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist himself, who will be in attendance at the Republican leadership conference, Republicans in the Senate vowed to stand in the way of Democratic efforts to stop the outsourcing of American ports, and Republicans in both chambers of Congress have a history of voting against and blocking votes that would have provided much needed additional funding for port and homeland security. Just this week, Democratic Senators proposed long overdue funding for adequate port security in the Senate Budget Committee, and it was turned down by Republicans on a party line vote, while in the House, Republicans defeated a similar Democratic measure. Republicans have also failed to provide funding for chemical plant and rail security, and much needed funding for emergency preparedness and first responders. The announcement by DP World yesterday also raised questions about why President Bush and his Senate Republicans had to leave it to the foreign government-owned company to decide the future of America's ports.

"The Administration and Republican's pre- 9/11 mentality would have turned our port security over to a foreign country," said Democratic National Committee Spokesman Luis Miranda. "President Bush and Senate Republicans once again left it up to a foreign government to decide the fate of America's homeland security. This debate is not over. Democrats have led the fight to close the gaps in our nation's security, and have stood firm in insisting that America's security is America's business. Republicans owe the American people answers as to where they really stand, and should join Democrats in working to do what they were elected for: keeping America safe."

Below is summary of a recent report by the Democratic Staff of the Committee on Homeland Security detailing the shortcomings of Republican policies when it comes to keeping America safe.

To download a picture of the mobile billboard use the following links:

Picture 1:

Hi-Res:

http://a9.g.akamai.net

Lo-Res:

http://a9.g.akamai.net

Picture 2:

Hi-Res:

http://a9.g.akamai.net

Lo-Res:

http://a9.g.akamai.net

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HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE REPORT: ADMINISTRATION GETS BARELY PASSING GRADES ON SECURITY

On the third anniversary of the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, it is clear that much work remains to be done in order to ensure that Americans are as safe as we need to be. Three years after the creation of DHS, the Bush Administration has failed to adequately secure our ports, our borders, our airports and planes, and our mass transit systems. Republicans in Congress should heed this sobering warning and join Democrats in taking strong, aggressive steps to secure our homeland.

The information below is from "The State of Homeland Security, 2006: An Annual Report Card on the Department of Homeland Security" prepared by the Democratic Staff of the Committee on Homeland Security for the third anniversary of the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, March 1, 2006.

PORT SECURITY: C-minus / D-plus

THE DANGER: Terrorist groups have already targeted ports and vessels to carry out attacks, including the hijacking of the cruise ship Achille Lauro in 1986; the attack on the USS Cole in 2000; and the attack of the French oil tanker Limburg in 2001. In addition, in 2004, terrorists smuggled in a container which killed 10 people at the Port of Ashod in Israel. Security experts are also concerned that our ports could serve as a point of entry for a nuclear weapon.

PROGRESS THAT HAS BEEN MADE: Congress has approved over $750 million in grants to pay for security improvements at our seaports. As of July 1, 2004, all of our nation's ports have complied with Coast Guard regulations requiring them to hire security officers, and install barriers and surveillance systems. The Coast Guard screens all incoming vessels to determine if they pose a terrorist risk. DHS is also working with the private sector to better screen containers and target high-risk vessels.

BARRIERS TO PROGRESS: Consistent underfunding by the Bush Administration continues to limit DHS's progress on port security. The budget eliminates dedicated funds for port security, forcing ports to compete with rail, mass transit and other critical infrastructure for funding. The budget also fails to increase funding from the previous year for cargo security programs and underfunds container inspection technology.

STEPS THAT NEED TO BE TAKEN: Currently, Customs and Border Protection does not currently know which containers are high risk because the screening system is flawed. DHS must take the steps necessary to get the trade data allowing them to make an accurate assessment of containers. CBP also needs more staff to inspect containers at American ports, as well increasing funding and setting deadlines for the deployment of radiation screening devices at our seaports. Finally, the Coast Guard must accelerate compliance checks to ensure that allies are implementing security measures.

AVIATION SECURITY: C-plus

THE DANGER: Despite all the progress that has been made in aviation security, there are three major gaps that still need to be addressed: the potential for sabotage by an airport worker, a terrorist potentially boarding a US bound plane before being checked against the terrorist watchlist, and the possibility of an attack emanating in the air cargo hold.

PROGRESS THAT HAS BEEN MADE: TSA has identified eight accomplishments in its aviation security program since 9/11 that include: a Federal airport security workforce that meets 100 percent of national standards; the deployment of Federal Air Marshals on high-risk flights; hardened cockpit doors on commercial flights; armed pilots; and 100 percent screening of the 1 billion bags checked annually.

BARRIERS TO PROGRESS: The increase in funding for aviation security in the President's budget is largely dependent on Congress approving a doubling of the passenger ticket fee and additional air carrier security fees. The budget provides no new funding for explosive detection systems and DHS has failed to provide 20 airports with financial assistance in purchasing and installing in-line detection equipment as promised. The air cargo operations budget is funded at $200 million less than authorized by the Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004.

STEPS THAT NEED TO BE TAKEN: DHS must put systems in place to restrict unescorted access to secured areas of the airport, or screen workers entering those areas; implement an automated system to pre-screen US bound passengers before their flights depart; and eliminate exemptions to screening of air cargo and develop a tiered approach to cargo security so elevated risk cargo is identified and screened.

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY: C-minus

THE DANGER: Terrorist groups have already targeted surface transportation for attacks, including the attack on a Moscow Metro rail car in 2004, a coordinated series of 10 explosions on four commuter trains in Madrid that same year, and a coordinated series of four explosions on three London subway trains and one bus in 2005. These attacks make it clear that terrorists view non-aviation transportation modes as potential targets.

PROGRESS THAT HAS BEEN MADE: The President's budget pledges that TSA will develop best practices, standards, and regulations to protect our transportation infrastructure.

BARRIERS TO PROGRESS: TSA has conducted risk assessments, but those assessments are duplicative to those being conducted by the Federal Office of Domestic Preparedness and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The lack of coordination has created confusion and frustration for the transportation industry. In addition, the TSA budget dedicates only 1 percent of the department's funding to surface transportation security. The budget also eliminates dedicated grants used by public transportation systems to increase security, forcing surface transportation to compete with ports and other critical infrastructure for funding.

STEPS THAT NEED TO BE TAKEN: Currently, there are only 100 surface transportation inspectors employed by TSA, as compared to 43,000 aviation screeners. The number of screeners should be increased. TSA should mandate security training for the men and women who drive trains, subways, and trucks, as well as take steps to ensure the safe movement of hazardous materials. TSA must also ensure that their efforts are better coordinated with public and private stakeholders.

BORDER SECURITY: D-plus

THE DANGER: Over 400 million passengers, 130 million vehicles, and 23 million shipping containers cross between Mexico and Canada annually. Hidden among the millions of travelers are those seeking to come to the US for illegal purposes, including terrorists. In addition, border agents are forced to depend on older, less reliable technology to screen cargo containers, rail cars, vehicles, and trucks for radiation.

PROGRESS THAT HAS BEEN MADE: The Container Security Initiative has been expanded to include agreements with 26 foreign countries. Basic radiation pagers have been provided to all of its inspectors and border agents.

BARRIERS TO PROGRESS: Millions of tax dollars have been wasted as a result of failed border security technology initiatives that have been undertaken by the Department - the Integrated Surveillance Intelligence System and the America's Shield Initiatives. The Administration has failed to provide promised funding for Border Patrol agents (20 percent short), detention bed spaces (20 percent short), and the Immigration and Customs agent resources called for by the 9/11 Act (75 percent short).

STEPS THAT NEED TO BE TAKEN: Border security personnel need to be provided with "state of the art" technology and radiation screening equipment. US land borders and ports of entry must be adequately assessed in order to move forward with the Secure Border Initiative. In addition, the Administration must develop a comprehensive border screening system and structure to ensure the successful implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and US VISIT programs.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE: D

THE DANGER: In August of 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast. The storm resulted in over 1,300 deaths and property damages that top $100 billion. The DHS and FEMA response to the storm was a complete failure, demonstrating how ineffective management and poor communications have affected our emergency preparedness and response capabilities.

PROGRESS THAT HAS BEEN MADE: In February of 2006, the Administration released 125 specific recommendations for preparedness and response reforms. It is unclear whether the Department can successfully implement these recommendations.

BARRIERS TO PROGRESS: The President's budget cuts $612 million from first responder grants and training programs. The budget cuts funding levels for programs designed to assist state and local law enforcement agencies by more than $1 billion compared to FY 2006, the Firefighters Grant Program was cut by 50 percent, and the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, which trains first responders, was cut by 66 percent.

STEPS THAT NEED TO BE TAKEN: FEMA's leadership and authority must be improved. The next FEMA director must be statutorily required to have an extensive background in emergency or disaster related management. Citizen and community preparedness must be a national priority, which increased funding for school preparedness, evacuation planning, and Citizens Corps, which trains volunteers for use in an emergency. Finally, the government needs one clear emergency response plan that governs Federal and state officials.

INTEROPERABLE COMMUNICATIONS: B-minus

THE DANGER: The 9/11 Commission found that the inability of first responders to communicate with each other and their commanders resulted in a loss of life. The Commission stated that additional radio spectrum was crucial to assist police, firefighters, and emergency responders during an emergency. The problem remains; during and after Hurricane Katrina, the interoperable communications network failed and New Orleans communicated through the use of five or fewer mutual aid channels. A survey of cities with a major chemical plant demonstrated that 97 percent did not have interoperable communications capability between the chemical plant, police, fire, and EMS. Sixty percent did not have interoperable communications with state emergency operations systems.

PROGRESS THAT HAS BEEN MADE: Congress set a firm date of February 17, 2009 for returning portions of the 700 Mhz spectrum for public safety use, as well as requiring that $1 billion of the funds collected by auctioning off spectrum will be provided to public safety agencies to defray the cost of deploying interoperable networks. Project SAFECOM was launched in 2002, a model for assessing communications interoperability in 10 high risk urban areas. The President's budget proposes a $3.5 million increase for the Office of Interoperability and Compatibility in FY2007.

BARRIERS TO PROGRESS: The President's budget requests no funding to enhance interoperable communications, and proposed to eliminate the COPS program, which (among other things) awards technology grants to law enforcement agencies. In addition, more funding is needed for OIC in order to remedy the weaknesses apparent during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

STEPS THAT NEED TO BE TAKEN: The Department needs a dedicated interoperable grant program and should dedicate the appropriate resources to SAFECOM. Additionally, DHS should make it clear that interoperability is the sole responsibility of SAFECOM and should provide more flexibility in the use of Federal public safety funds for upgraded technology communications systems and training.

INFORMATION SHARING: C-minus

THE DANGER: Intelligence information about terrorists is useless if we cannot get critical information to the front-line police and sheriffs who need it most. Those officers observe activities and conditions in the course of their day to day work that may be indicators of emerging terrorist plots. However, there are still no procedures in place to ensure that information can move easily between Federal and local law enforcement professionals.

PROGRESS THAT HAS BEEN MADE: The development of the National Counterterrorism Center brings all intelligence agencies under one roof to jointly analyze intelligence information.

BARRIERS TO PROGRESS: Federal officials still do not have the capability to assess what intelligence information would be of the most use to local law enforcement officials. In addition, DHS and the FBI are not still fully cooperating in the information sharing process.

STEPS THAT NEED TO BE TAKEN: The NCTC should ensure that the intelligence they are collecting and analyzing is being reviewed by those who can identify intelligence of interest to police officers and convert it into a usable format. Local law enforcement should also have the opportunity to share information from the field with DHS.

CHEMICAL PLANT SECURITY: C-minus

THE DANGER: Although some facilities are voluntarily pursuing security enhancements, some have not taken the necessary steps to stop a terrorist attack. A recent investigation of security at chemical plants in urban areas found that gates were unlocked or wide open and that tanks filled with potentially deadly chemicals were left unsecured.

PROGRESS THAT HAS BEEN MADE: The Administration has requested $10 million for a Chemical Site Security Office at DHS to classify facilities into risk based tiers and establish security standards for each tier. The development of analytical metrics to evaluate risks posed by specific plants.

BARRIERS TO PROGRESS: The new Office for Chemical Site Security does not have the necessary authority to complete its mission. Currently DHS does not even have the authority to enter a chemical facility, and only 7 percent are following industry suggested guidelines.

STEPS THAT NEED TO BE TAKEN: The House and Senate should pass S.2145, the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2005. DHS should then promote a risk based regulatory structure that lays out the security requirements for each facility, and enforce the security requirements accordingly.

CRITICAL PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION: D-minus

THE DANGER: The 9/11 Commission recognized the vulnerability of our critical infrastructure - infrastructure that includes our drinking water, the food we eat, the gas we use to drive our cars, and the subways we use to get to work. Unfortunately, the Administration has not undertaken a risk and vulnerability assessment for this infrastructure; no national priorities have been established; and no recommendations have been made as to how to allocate scarce resources.

PROGRESS THAT HAS BEEN MADE: The President's budget includes funding to complete the National Infrastructure Protection Plan.

BARRIERS TO PROGRESS: DHS has failed to create a National Asset Database that effectively catalogues critical infrastructure in the US. The current database contains both critical and non-critical assets, such as shopping malls and banks. In addition, the President has provided no additional funding to secure our infrastructure.

STEPS THAT NEED TO BE TAKEN: DHS must quickly finish the National Infrastructure Protection Plan and provide more dedicated funding to secure ports, chemical plants, mass transit, and other critical infrastructure.

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Paid for and authorized by the Democratic National Committee, http://www.democrats.org. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

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