Congressman Pete King

Homeland Security

Islamic terrorism is the most diabolical threat facing our nation today. No American ever wants to relive the attacks of September 11th. This is particularly true on Long Island where hundreds of our friends and neighbors were murdered on that horrific day. As Chairman – and now Ranking Member – of the House Homeland Security Committee – I know that the New York- Long Island region remains the number one terrorist target in the country.

The war against Islamic terrorism must be fought in many ways and we must do all we can to stay ahead of our enemy. That is why I strongly supported the PATRIOT Act and the right of our government to intercept terrorist phone calls being made into the United States from overseas. As Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee I worked hard to pass legislation securing our ports, our chemical plants and our airports. And as Ranking Member I reached across the aisle to pass legislation protecting our rail and transportation systems.

Senator Joe Lieberman and I also cooperated on legislation (P.L. 110-53) which provides legal immunity to individuals who report terrorist or suspicious activity which they see on trains or planes to law enforcement. This arose from a situation in Minneapolis where public spirited citizens reported to airport authorities very suspicious activity by six imams on a plane and were sued by those imams. Very simply, good people doing the right thing should not be subjected to frivolous and costly lawsuits.

H.R. 1, however, only applies to transportation systems. I believe the immunity should cover all activities. That is why – again working with Senator Lieberman – I have introduced the See Something, Say Something Act of 2009 (H.R. 2064) which would extend the good faith civil immunity to reporting of any terrorist or suspicious threat.

I will, of course, continue my efforts to ensure that New York and Long Island receive the Homeland Security funding needed for our police and fire departments, our subway and commuter lines and our ports and highways. I am particularly concerned that the next terrorist attack against New York City will be launched from the suburbs as happened in London and Madrid. Therefore, I have introduced Secure the Cities (H.R. 2611) legislation which would implement a unified strategy and provide the technology for defending New York City, Long Island and surrounding areas against radiological and nuclear threats.