Kennedy: House Passes Congressman Kennedy's Amendment to Homeland Security Bill

Kennedy: House Passes Congressman Kennedy's Amendment to Homeland Security Bill
Wednesday, May 18, 2005

Washington- Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted in favor of Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy's (D-RI) amendment to H.R. 1817, the Homeland Security Authorization Act, which would push the Department of Homeland Security to replace its color-coded terror alert system with a new system designed with the input of experts.

"Terrorism is psychological warfare," said Congressman Kennedy. "To succeed there doesn't necessarily need to be an attack. Terrorists try to manipulate us and change our behavior by creating fear, uncertainty, and division in society. The key battleground in the war on terrorism is in the minds of the American public. How we communicate can either strengthen or undermine Americans' sense of security and trust in the government and so far we haven't done a very good job."

The Department of Homeland Security has been widely criticized for its communications failures, especially the recommendation that people purchase duct tape and plastic sheeting that caused runs at hardware stores and eventually became a staple for late-night comics.

Kennedy and Chairman Christopher Cox (R-CA) of the Committee on Homeland Security have discussed how to strengthen the public's resilience generally, and the terror alert system specifically over the past several years. The bill Cox's committee reported out included a requirement that the Department fix flaws in the system. Kennedy's amendment added language to ensure that the Department consulted appropriate experts.

"When it comes to homeland security, communications can have a lasting impact.Let's make sure that we get it right by tapping the best experts, " said Kennedy.

Kennedy and Cox also engaged in a colloquy on the House Floor about the need for homeland security planners to better engage the public in developing plans. Kennedy cited research showing that the more the public is brought into terrorism planning and response, particularly through social networks like churches, unions, professional associations, business groups, and neighborhood associations, the more effective the response in a time of crisis.

"Homeland security officials at every level of government, including at the Department of Homeland Security, should institutionalize partnerships with community residents and organizations -- not only in implementing response and communications plans but, most importantly, in making sure those plans take into account the risks, concerns, perceptions, and anticipated behaviors of a community's citizens," Kennedy said.

Cox concurred and pledged to examine the question in anticipated hearings.

Since September 11, 2001, Kennedy has focused on combating the psychological impact of terrorism. In 2003, he introduced legislation called the National Resilience Development Act at a press conference with former First Lady Rosalyn Carter and members of the New York City Fire Department. He has met on the subject with President's cabinet and consulted with experts from the United States, Northern Ireland, and Israel.

"We can buy all of the gadgets in the world," Kennedy said, "but whether the terrorists are successful or not depends on whether we let them manipulate us. The minds of the American public are the key target, and that's where we need to focus our attention."

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