Introduction of the Department of Homeland Security Preparedness, Research, and Education Program Act of 2008, the DHS Prep Act of 2008

INTRODUCTION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PREPAREDNESS, RESEARCH, AND EDUCATION PROGRAM ACT OF 2008, THE DHS PREP ACT OF 2008 -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 26, 2008)

SPEECH OF
HON. AL GREEN
OF TEXAS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2008

* Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, today, we live in a world where security threats have become more complex. For that reason, nurturing a field of educated and knowledgeable experts--trained and prepared to meet the security challenges before us--should be a priority of the United States Government. To accomplish this goal, opportunities within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) should be made available for students to participate in programs that allow them to help develop the solutions to the security challenges that our Nation confronts. It is equally important that participating students come from diverse backgrounds and are truly representative of all the communities across our homeland.

* My legislation, the Department of Homeland Security Preparedness, Research, and Education Program Act of 2008, or the DHS PREP Act of 2008, would direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to carry out a program for fellowships and research to enhance domestic preparedness and the collective response to acts of terrorism, natural disasters and other emergencies.

* When natural disasters such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Coast region, infrastructure and the most basic services too many take for granted were destroyed. The Department of Homeland Security is overseeing efforts to rebuild public infrastructure in the Gulf Coast region that was devastated by natural disasters. That is why, during the first year of the fellowship, participants will undertake research specifically focused on rebuilding and recovery of the Gulf Coast.

* It is the aim of this legislation to allow students receiving fellowships from this program to work closely with the National Center for Natural Disasters, Coastal Infrastructure, and Emergency Management to strengthen our Nation's overall response to natural disasters. The research conducted by the fellowship participants will also reinforce the efforts of the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding at DHS. Additionally, the research conducted by the fellows will be shared with Congress.

* This important legislation will allow us to train experts and professionals to develop substantive policy solutions that will seek to solve the homeland security and disaster response challenges that confront our Nation. I ask my colleagues to support the Department of Homeland Security Preparedness, Research, and Education Program Act of 2008, or the DHS PREP Act of 2008.

Source