Gephardt Statement on Homeland Defense

Contact: Erik Smith or Kori Bernards, 202-225-0100 both for House Democratic Leader Richard A. Gephardt

WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The following was released today by the Office of House Democratic Leader Richard A. Gephardt:

''We must take immediate action to maximize the safety of all Americans. Governor Ridge has said he needs more help and the Congress and the President need to make sure he has that help.

''Most of us have read stories about needs we must meet and areas where our defenses are not up to snuff. Public health agencies tell us they need help to identify biological threats and treat those affected should those thrE~mOW>m/W.Zlize. The F.B.I. is stretched thin and needs more officers to stop terrorists before they strike. We need more inspectors so we know that more than 1 percent of our food from abroad has been inspected. We need to get the proper equipment to our Postal Service to protect our mail. More Coast Guard cutters should be patrolling our shores; inspection agents should be stationed around the clock at every border entry point.

''Last night, a bipartisan group of Members asked the Rules Committee to allow the House to vote on three amendments: one to strengthen our homeland security, a second to improve national defenses, and a third to make sure New York received the money it was promised to help it recover from the Sept. 11th terror attacks. The Republican Majority turned us down on all counts. So today, we will try to defeat the rule on the Defense Appropriations bill so we can have clear, fair votes on timely measures important to our country.

''This is a debate about priorities. It is a debate about meeting the needs of our country now, not waiting for several months as some in the Majority want us to do. The funds in these Amendments would be spent only if the President deems it necessary.

''And for a fraction of the cost of the $25 billion Republican repeal of the corporate Alternative Minimum Tax, the Obey Amendment would significantly strengthen homeland security. Instead of refunding billions in tax cuts to corporations dating back to 1986, America could get more smallpox vaccine, hire police and firefighters, step up border patrols and strengthen programs to prevent weapons of mass destruction from falling into the wrong hands.

''We're looking forward to working together to meet this challenge, and we will not rest until we build on the bipartisan work of the last two months to eliminate threats and protect our people against further attacks.''

1 posted on 11/28/2001 6:24:19 PM PST by Native American Female Vet

The following song was released today by the Office of House Democratic Leader Richard A. Gephardt:

"The nation's defense don't get votes for me,
pleasing unions is all I need.
And that takes money,
that's what I want.
That's what I want want want,
Yeah that's what I want."

Not for nothing has the AFL-CIO decided to make Gephardt their keynote speaker at their forthcoming labor convention. It's called "more tax money for jobs and handouts."

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