Homeland Security

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.

I applaud you and your staff for retaining adequate funding for the front line employees of the Department of Homeland Security, so that they can continue to conduct critical operations along our borders, protect our nation's airports and seaports, and respond to the spate of natural disasters our country has experienced.

Clearly, for this Department to operate effectively, DHS and the Congress needed to invest in upgrading its infrastructure.

We hold the men and women of the Coast Guard in the highest regard on this Subcommittee. Our job here today and through the appropriations process is to ensure that you have the resources necessary to fulfill your missions and that taxpayer dollars are allocated wisely