Issue Position: Homeland Security

Issue Position

Homeland Security

All-Hazards Approach to Emergency Management

Smart homeland security policy centers on an all-hazards approach to emergency management. Our agencies must focus on prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery from all threats including natural disasters and man-made events. Successful emergency management must involve coordination and professionalism.

Homeland Security is much more than just fighting terrorism. We saw the dangers of having unqualified and unprepared people at FEMA when Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans. Our collective conscience was shaken to the core when we saw the horrible conditions of life in the Super Dome and wrecked neighborhoods.

Combating Terrorism

America faces a variety of challenges with regard to homegrown radicalization and terrorism. Terrorists are able to adapt to our counter-terrorism strategies and change their methods accordingly. We should strive to make inroads with community leaders in our cities. This can help us gain valuable information and also promote an opposing ideology to radical extremism; one that values tolerance, moderation, and equality. While it may be expedient or appealing to some to profile groups of people as either terrorists or terrorist-sympathizers, it only serves to isolate people and breed mistrust of law enforcement. We must remember that 9/11 happened to all of us. As your Congressman, I will continue to encourage tolerant and strong communities.

Recognize the importance of pairing with the private sector for training, readiness, assessment of threats and targets

The 9/11 Commission rightly pointed out that the private sector has a big role to play in homeland security. Eighty four percent of our "critical infrastructure' is privately owned. Think of your local mall, sports arena or Meijer. Since law enforcement often has the knowledge about threats faced by the private sector-owned businesses, we can and we must forge public-private partnerships for security. I would encourage business owners in the 11th district to work with law enforcement to address issues of security management.

*If you are interested in another aspect of Homeland Security, I would encourage you to read my thoughts on Immigration and Border Security on my Issues page.

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