Homeland Security

DHS managed response to Hurricane Sandy with precision and timely and accurate information.

There are many answers owed to this Subcommittee and the American people regarding the impact of sequestration and the Continuing Resolution on ICE and, in that context, the recent release of detainees.

We saw firsthand Sandy's devastation, which tore apart communities, as well as the massive reconstruction effort underway in lower Manhattan and across the region.

It has now been nearly five months since this catastrophic storm, yet many families are still struggling to rebuild their homes and many businesses are wondering whether theyll be able to survive the year.

The sequester will force TSA to cut its frontline workforce, furlough its nearly 50,000 officers for seven work days, and initiate a hiring freeze. As a result, passenger wait times at airport security checkpoints will be longer, adding to passenger, flight, and cargo delays.

We must make aviation security policies more efficient and risk-based without compromising security.

We in North Carolina, remembering Hurricanes Fran and Floyd, know how important it is for Congress to extend itself in such a time of need.

The bill before us provides adequate funding for DHS front line employees so that they can continue to conduct critical operations along our borders; protect our nation's airports and seaports; disrupt the latest plots against the United States and our citizens; and respond to the spate of natural disasters our country has experienced.