Today, U.S. Rep Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) was appointed as a conferee to the House-Senate conference committee on the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act of 2007.
The House of Representatives passed H.R. 1 in January as part of their First 100 Hours legislation. The Senate passed the bill in March, but with different provisions. The bill is now headed to conference committee to work out differences between the two versions of the bill.
“I want to thank Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson for giving me this honor,” said Perlmutter. “The passage of this bill is long overdue. Nearly six years after 9/11, our homeland security efforts have lacked a clear mission. This bill provides the direction for our nation to successfully defend itself from terrorist threats. As a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I am honored to be given this important task.”
The following are some of the provisions addressed by the bill:
This bill establishes an information sharing environment where important intelligence can be sent up the chain of command AND across departmental lines in a timely manner.
The bill requires the government to work with our allies to prevent the development or spread of weapons of mass destruction on the black-market or otherwise.
This bill requires 100% of all cargo containers entering the country to be screened before they enter our ports.
It also provides funding to develop technology to screen every piece of checked-luggage brought on commercial aircraft for explosive materials.
“I look forward to crafting the final version of this crucial legislation to lay the groundwork for how our country protects itself for years to come. I will fight for the interests of Colorado and the 7th Congressional district as we examine how best to fund our first-responders, secure our border, and protect our modes of transportation,” stated Perlmutter.
“Once the conference concludes its work, I hope the House and Senate will swiftly approve the final version of the legislation so it may be signed by the President. I am proud that Congress has at last been able to bring forward laws that truly protect our communities.”
