Homeland Security

Mr. Chairman, you have done a good job in your mark, working with the low funding allocation presented to you. While this mark hews closely to the overall spending figure requested by the President, I don't believe either number is sufficient to fully provide DHS with the resources it needs to help keep the nation safe

The FY 2014 request for the entire Department is difficult, but the shortfall proposed for the Coast Guard is particularly glaring.

The Department of Homeland Security has been asked to do more with less, requiring tough decisions.

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.