REP. JENNIFER DUNN STATEMENT ON 9-11 COMMISSION REPORT

July 22, 2004

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The 9/11 Commission today released its final report on the terrorist attacks of September 11 th 2001 and provided its findings and recommendations for improvements to the U.S. national security infrastructure.

“Since September 11, 2001 , Congress and the Administration have made considerable progress to improve our national security and protect our homeland. The 9/11 Commission has provided thoughtful recommendations on how we can further improve our national security. Washington State is particularly vulnerable because of its international border with Canada , its seaports, and internationally known headquarters for companies such as Microsoft. We are prepared to continue our work to ensure that terrorists are not successful in their efforts to disrupt the lives of my constituents and all Americans.

As Vice-Chair of the Select Committee on Homeland Security, I am pleased that the Commission recognized the importance of streamlining congressional oversight and recommended making the Homeland Security panel permanent,” said Congresswoman Dunn.

Since September 11, 2001, Congress and the Administration have taken the following actions:

Creation of the Department of Homeland Security: Creation of the Department of Homeland Security consolidated more than 22 major agencies into one integrated department responsible for protecting our nation's homeland. The Department oversees all aspects of homeland security including protection of the nation's borders, ports and transportation infrastructure, coordination with state and local agencies, and emergency preparedness and response.

The USA-PATRIOT Act : Those individuals charged with gathering intelligence and enforcing terrorist laws have been greatly assisted by the US Patriot Act. This act has allowed our intelligence and law enforcement to work closely with each other to investigate and remove all possible and potential threats.

Supporting State and Local First Responders: Since September 11, 2001 , total funding for state and local assistance has increased from $2.5 billion to $26.7 billion. $4.1 billion has been allocated for domestic preparedness and emergency management. Since September 11, 2001 , Washington State has received over $136 million to equip and prepare those first responders on the ground.

FBI Reform: The FBI's mission has been redirected to focus on preventing terrorist attacks through intelligence collection and other key efforts.

Project Bioshield: On July 21, 2004 , the President signed Project Bioshield into law. The legislation will provide incentives for America 's brightest scientists, physicians and researchers to develop lifesaving vaccines and medications to fight chemical and biological weapons in the event of an attack.

Intelligence and Coordination: Since 2001, the Congress and the Administration have worked to improve intelligence collection and analysis, and established the Terrorist Threat Integration Center to ensure that intelligence and law enforcement entities are working together.

Protecting our Nation's Borders: Since September 11, 2001 Congress has helped deploy over 1,800 inspection officers and more than 1,000 new Border Patrol Agents to the Canadian Border.

Port and Cargo Security: Congress has worked with the Administration to fund the Container Security Initiative (CSI), deploying Customs and Border Protection officials to 20 major international seaports to pre-screen shipping containers for illicit or dangerous materials before they are loaded on vessels bound for United States Ports.

####