Chairman Green Opens Full Committee Markup on Bills to Enhance the Homeland Security Mission

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark E. Green, MD (R-TN) delivered the following September 11, 2001, remembrance statement and opening remarks in a full committee markup of H.R. 9460, H.R. 9459, and H.R. 9458.

Watch Chairman Green's opening statements.

As prepared for delivery:

Before we proceed with the business for which we are gathered today, I'd like to recognize myself for a brief statement.

On Monday, the Committee visited the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City.

September 11, 2001, was one of the worst days in the history of our nation, but also one where we saw endless and inspiring acts of bravery and heroism. When we visited the Memorial, and then had lunch with first responders, we were reminded of the spirit of America - and the qualities that make Americans exceptional.

We were also reminded of the original purpose of this Committee. As we get further and further from that day, 23 years ago, we can never forget the lessons we learned from it.

I would now like to play a short video remembering September 11, 2001.

I would ask that Members, staff, and audience do now rise for a moment of silence honoring the victims of the September 11 attacks.

The Committee is meeting today for consideration of three bipartisan pieces of legislation:

• H.R. 9459, the Producing Advanced Technologies for Homeland Security Act;
• H.R. 9460, the DHS Joint Task Forces Reauthorization Act of 2024;
• and, H.R. 9458, the Enhancing Stakeholder Support and Outreach for Preparedness Grants Act.

The measures under consideration today reflect our shared, bipartisan commitment to ensuring that the Department of Homeland Security is equipped with the authority it needs to carry out its critical functions.

H.R. 9459 reauthorizes DHS' other transaction authority, an important mechanism that allows DHS to create flexible agreements with non-traditional entities to obtain valuable research and technological procurements to achieve its mission. The bill also includes common-sense transparency efforts that keep both the public and Congress aware of the use of these agreements. I thank the sponsor of this bill, the gentleman from Mississippi, Mr. Guest, as well as the gentleman from Maryland, Mr. Ivey, for their bipartisan work on this measure.

H.R. 9460 extends DHS' authority to establish and operate joint task forces for two years. While only one joint task force, Joint Task Force-East, is currently operating, it is providing a role so critical, we simply cannot afford to allow it to sunset. JTF-E's collaborative mission to safeguard and interdict illicit activity in the international waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the Eastern Pacific Ocean is extremely important. I similarly thank the sponsor of this bill, the gentleman from Louisiana, Mr. Higgins, as well as the gentleman from New York, Mr. Suozzi, for their bipartisan effort to reauthorize this authority.

Last, H.R. 9458 will require the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to enhance its outreach efforts for its Urban Area Security Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant Program. I commend the sponsor of the bill, Mr. Goldman of New York, for his work on the measure.

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