(Washington, D.C.)–Congressman Jim Langevin today joined with his Democratic colleagues on the House Select Committee on Homeland Security to release a 100-page report assessing the United States homeland security infrastructure.  The report coincides with the one-year anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security, the nation's newest agency, created in response to the September 11th terrorist attacks.

 Langevin, who has consistently advocated for additional funding for first responders and port security initiatives, also used the event to call for improvements in the nation’s critical infrastructure and  intelligence gathering operations.

"While the United States has made significant strides, there remains much more to be done to truly secure our citizens and effectively wage the war on terror,” said Congressman Langevin.  “’America at Risk’ highlights critical gaps in our homeland security and, just as importantly, offers substantive proposals for filling these gaps and enhancing our safety."
 
America at Risk: Closing the Security Gap acknowledges that although the United States is safer than it was before September 11, significant security gaps remain. The report examines weaknesses in homeland security efforts and recommends specific actions in the following areas: Intelligence, Nuclear Materials, Bioterrorism, Ports, Borders, Aviation, Critical Infrastructure, Chemical Plants, Cyber space, Agriculture, Information Technology, First Responder Preparedness, Security, Privacy and Civil Liberties.  The full report is available on the Homeland Security Committee Democratic website at http://www.house.gov/hsc/democrats/.

Today’s press conference is one of many efforts Langevin has taken to improve Homeland Security following the 2001 terrorist attacks.

In September, Langevin announced the results of a homeland security survey he conducted in each city and town in Rhode Island's Second Congressional District.  The survey highlighted what local first responders and elected officials believe are the greatest barriers to effective homeland security.  Those responding to the survey reported the following, in order of importance, as their top priorities:  additional police personnel (17%), additional fire personnel (15%) increased communications technology (13%), improved water supply security (11%) and overtime pay, infrastructure security and port security (tied with 9%).

“In Rhode Island, local officials cited interoperable communications as a gaping hole, yet DHS has requested no new funding to meet this critical need, and while the Administration undertakes studies and develops standards, our first responders are dealing with this life and death issue every day,” said Langevin.  “That is why our report calls for interim solutions that can be implemented immediately, like patching frequencies or deploying mobile operations centers.”

“My first responders also cited the need for better information-sharing with DHS and federal law enforcement, and that’s why today’s report urges the Administration to develop better mechanisms for quickly sharing threat information with state and local entities, and making sure they know how to interact with DHS and with each other,” added Langevin.

Langevin has also called upon the Bush Administration for additional federal funding to meet the new safety demands of waterway commerce.  These needs include: implementing required security and surveillance measures; deploying personnel and equipment to ensure that containers are free of weapons of mass destruction before they reach our ports; and providing proper levels of personnel at domestic ports to put these programs into place.

-30-