Press Releases
FEMA Contracting Practices Still Need Work
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement in response to a Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General (OIG) report on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's contracting processes. The report, entitled "FEMA's Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) Program" (OIG-11-106), found that endemic and longstanding problems exist in the COTR program. The COTR program … Continue Reading
September 11, 2011
Thompson Statement on the 10th Anniversary of September 11
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement commemorating the tenth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks: Ten years ago, this nation arose to news of unthinkable tragedy and unimaginable pain. Today, we are again reminded of that tragic day and how it forever changed this great nation. We will never forget those we lost that Tuesday morning, nor will we forget the heroism of the … Continue Reading
September 08, 2011
Richmond, Thompson Applaud Former GOP Homeland Security Secretary's Support of Disaster Relief Without Offsets
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Tom J. Ridge, the first Secretary of Homeland Security and former Republican Governor of Pennsylvania testified at a hearing on Capitol Hill that he supports a clean boost to disaster relief funds without offsets or budget cuts elsewhere. While testifying before the full House Committee on Homeland Security hearing on The Attacks of September 11th: Where are We Today Mr. Ridge stated, in response to a question posed by Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) on budget offsets … Continue Reading
September 07, 2011
Hearing Statement - "The Attacks of September 11th: Where are We Today"
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Committee on Homeland Security Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) delivered the following prepared remarks for the full Committee hearing entitled The Attacks of September 11th: Where are We Today: Today, we meet to discuss this nation's progress in bringing about safety, security and resiliency against terrorism since the attacks of 9/11. But before we look back, I want to acknowledge and remember all the firefighters, police officers, and ordinary people who lost … Continue Reading
September 07, 2011
GAO: DHS Has Yet to Reach Full Potential
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on the Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on the state of Homeland Security. The report, entitled "Department of Homeland Security: Progress Made and Work Remaining in Implementing Homeland Security Missions 10 Years after 9/11", illustrates that while DHS deserves commendation for implementing crucial and strategic programs it still has … Continue Reading
September 01, 2011
Irene Preparation Commendable; FEMA Crucial to Disaster Response (Updated)
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement regarding Hurricane Irene and the Federal Emergency Management Agency's preparation and response: Although the cleanup for Hurricane Irene has just begun, it is evident that FEMA and the Administration prepared and responded admirably to this widespread disaster affecting tens of millions of Americans across the Eastern Seaboard. FEMA was able to … Continue Reading
August 03, 2011
TSA Must Step-Up Oversight of Airport Credentialing Procedures
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement regarding the Department of Homeland Security's Office of the Inspector General report on the Transportation Security Administration's oversight of security badge issuance to airport employees. The report, entitled "TSA's Oversight of the Airport Badging Process Needs Improvement," raises questions about discrepancies in TSA's airport employee badging … Continue Reading
August 02, 2011
Long-awaited Ammonium Nitrate Security Regulations Announced
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement regarding notice from the Department of Homeland Security that the Secretary will publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register for the creation of the Ammonium Nitrate Security Program: The publication of this long-awaited proposed regulation is a positive development. At a time when the EU and other countries are looking to … Continue Reading
July 29, 2011
Deepwater Program Still Problematic
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the below statement in response to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on continuing problems with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Deepwater program, entitled "Coast Guard: Action Needed As Approved Deepwater Program Remains Unachievable" (GAO-11-743): "As delays continue and problems mount, we still do not know the true cost of the Deepwater program. I urge … Continue Reading
July 27, 2011
Ranking Member Thompson Hearing Statement
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Committee on Homeland Security Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) delivered the following prepared remarks for the full Committee hearing entitled Al Shabaab: Recruitment and Radicalization within the Muslim American Community and the Threat to the Homeland: Today, this committee will hold the third hearing in its series on terrorism and the American Muslim community. In previous hearings, we have heard testimony about young Americans of Somali descent who left … Continue Reading
July 26, 2011
Statement for the Record - Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Hearing
(WASHINGTON) - Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, Ranking Member, House Committee on Homeland Security, submitted the following statement for the record for the United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Contracting Oversight hearing on: Small Business Contracts: How Oversight Failures and Regulatory Loopholes Allow Large Businesses to Get and Keep Small Business Contracts: I would first like to thank Chair McCaskill for conducting this … Continue Reading
July 23, 2011
Statement on Attacks in Norway
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement in response to the attacks in Norway friday: I strongly condemn the deadly attacks yesterday in Norway. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Norway and those affected by the attacks. Although we are awaiting a preliminary investigation, this incident unfortunately reminds us that we must remain vigilant against the threat of homegrown … Continue Reading
July 21, 2011
Thompson Statement on DHS Progress Report on 9/11 Commission Recommendations
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement regarding the 2011 Progress Report released by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on Implementing 9/11 Commission Recommendations: I commend DHS for their candor. This DHS progress report shows not only the progress, but also the challenges the agency and the nation continue to face. As we move forward, we must focus on resolving these … Continue Reading
July 19, 2011
Report Shows Coast Guard Civil Rights Directorate Not on Track
(WASHINGTON) - The Government Accountability Office released a report on the shortcomings of the Civil Rights Directorate in the United States Coast Guard (USCG), entitled "Coast Guard - Civil Rights Directorate Can Enhance Workforce Restructuring Efforts" (GAO-11-718). The report, requested by leaders of the House Transportation & Infrastructure and Homeland Security Committees, shows that despite independent studies and reports from the GAO, the USCG's Civil Rights Directorate is … Continue Reading
July 14, 2011
TSA Trusted Traveler Pilot Program Moving Forward
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement regarding news from Transportation Security Administrator John S. Pistole announcing more details of a trusted traveler pilot program set to commence this fall: As a long-time supporter of the risk-based trusted traveler concept to make the screening experience for regular Americans better, I am pleased that TSA has announced it will start testing its … Continue Reading
July 07, 2011
Thompson Praises Reestablishment of Aviation Security Advisory Committee
(WASHINGTON) - Today, the Transportation Security Administration and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced the reestablishment of the Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC). ASAC was originally created in response to the Lockerbie terrorist bombing in 1988, was later transferred to the Transportation Security Administration in 2001, and previously played a critical role in the development of aviation security programs. However, it has not met consistently for several … Continue Reading
June 15, 2011
Ranking Member Thompson Hearing Statement: The Threat of Muslim-American Radicalization in U.S. Prisons
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Committee on Homeland Security Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) delivered the following prepared remarks for the full Committee hearing entitled The Threat of Muslim-American Radicalization in U.S. Prisons: The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world. More than 2.3 million people are locked up in America. Approximately one-third of these prisoners claim some form of religious affiliation. Islam is the fastest growing religion among … Continue Reading
June 10, 2011
Thompson Statement on Muslim Radicalization in Prisons Hearing
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement regarding next week's Committee hearing on The Threat of Muslim-American Radicalization in U.S. Prisons. The hearing will take place on Wednesday, June 15th. In 2007, the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee held a hearing examining the threat posed by Islam being used in prison to create a cadre of violent extremists. Focusing on … Continue Reading
June 08, 2011
FEMA Extends Recoupment Claims Process
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate notified Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, that FEMA will extend its disaster assistance recoupment appeals process deadline. FEMA agreed to take the extraordinary step of extending the recoupment appeals process deadline after receiving a letter from Thompson (link here). As a result of Thompson's advocacy, FEMA will allow additional time to file … Continue Reading
June 02, 2011
Thompson Condemns Homeland Security Bill
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement expressing grave concern following passage of H.R. 2017, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2012, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives today by a vote of 231 to 188: This bill is simply an assault against the progress we've made protecting the homeland over the past ten years. I voted against this bill because not … Continue Reading