Congressman Patrick Meehan Questions Secretary Napolitano and Director Leiter at House Homeland Security Hearing

Statement

Today at a hearing held by the House Homeland Security Committee entitled "Understanding the Homeland Threat Landscape - Considerations for the 112th Congress," Congressman Patrick Meehan (PA-07) questioned Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and National Counterterrorism Center Director Michael Leiter.

"As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, understanding the threats to our nation is a top priority," said Congressman Meehan. "In the ten years since the September 11, 2011 attacks, our enemy has changed. Similarly, we must keep pace and adapt our defenses to a constantly changing enemy."

"We must also ensure that our current national security policies are working in an effective and efficient manner," continued Meehan. "I asked Secretary Napolitano and Director Leiter for an explanation about how they measure effectiveness, make efficient use of resources, and work together to ensure that our nation is safe and secure. It is important that we continually reevaluate our policies and ensure they are working for the American people."

"Also at today's hearing, Director Leiter stated that he believes Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) is the biggest security threat to the United States," said Meehan. "I am looking forward to examining more deeply the threat posed by AQAP, radical Islamnist cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, and Inspire Magazine at our subcommittee's first hearing in the coming weeks."

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