N.H. delegation backs homeland passage

By Max Heuer

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13, 2002--New Hampshire's congressional delegation Wednesday lauded the passage of a new version of the Homeland Security Act, based on a compromise between the White House and key senators earlier this week.

"The formation of a Department of Homeland Security will bring together agencies and programs to better assess, prevent, and respond to new threats posed by weapons of mass destruction and global terrorism," Rep. John Sununu, R-01, who was recently elected to the Senate, said in a press release.

"I am pleased that Congress and the White House were able to reach a
bipartisan agreement that will allow for the passage of legislation to create the Department of Homeland Security," recently re-elected Rep. Charlie Bass, R-02, said in a press release.

Both congressmen voted for the legislation, which passed ### to ###, Wednesday night.

The bill would create a cabinet-level Department of Homeland Security with a $37 billion budget. Twenty-two federal agencies would be consolidated within the agency, including Border Patrol, Customs Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Immigration and Naturalization Services and the Coast Guard, according to a release from Sununu's office.

The agency will comprise four divisions: Border and Transportation Security, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Science and Technology, and Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection.

Both congressmen said the agency was crucial in protecting American lives in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

"As Congress reviewed the events leading up to September 11, there was a clear need for better communication and coordination of activities," Sununu said.

"By consolidating the confusing patchwork of government activities, this bill will help reduce duplication, end confusion about responsibilities, and provide focus, direction, and flexibility to help protect Americans from today's threats and the unknown threats of the future," Bass said.

The House had passed a version of the bill on July 26, but similar legislation was blocked in the Senate because of a labor dispute. Reports this week said three moderate senators - John Breaux, D-LA, Ben Nelson, D-NE, and Lincoln Chafee, R-RI - had worked out a compromise with GOP leadership and the White House on the bill.

The new provision makes the department inform union representatives of when it proposes any change in workplace rules . It provides a 30-day period for the union to respond, and if both sides cannot agree, the issue would be sent to Congress for review and a 30-day mediation process would be held. But if this process does not produce an agreement, the agency would still be allowed to continue with the change.

The Senate is expected to vote on the bill sometime next week.

Published in The Manchester Union Leader, in New Hampshire.