Press Releases
Thompson Statement on Moscow Attack
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement in response to the terrorist attack in Moscow today: I strongly condemn the terrorist attack today at Moscow's Domodedovo Airport. Our thoughts and prayers are with those in Russia affected by the bombing. Though the origins of this incident are not clear yet, this attack is a reminder that commercial aviation continues to be under threat of attack … Continue Reading
January 21, 2011
MLK Day Bomb Plot Demonstrates Increased Need To Examine All Forms of Extremism
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement in response to recent media reports that a deadly terror attack was narrowly avoided at a Martin Luther King Day parade in Spokane, WA, Monday, when three alert citizens noticed an unattended backpack that contained a sophisticated explosive device: I commend the alertness of the citizens who detected this potentially deadly device and the prompt … Continue Reading
January 14, 2011
Thompson Applauds DHS Decision to End SBInet Program
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement in regards to news from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that they are ending SBInet as originally conceived and will instead implement a new border security technology plan: The SBInet program has been a grave and expensive disappointment since its inception. Our Committee has held 11 hearings on the project, commissioned 5 critical GAO … Continue Reading
January 12, 2011
Thompson Statement on the One Year Anniversary of Haiti Earthquake
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement in regards to the one year anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti: One year ago, we witnessed a massive earthquake wreak devastation on the good people of Haiti. While we remember the lives lost, we also recall the resiliency of the Haitian people, the remarkable heroism from our first responders, and the historic global effort to provide relief. … Continue Reading
January 08, 2011
BREAKING: Thompson Statement on Shooting in Arizona Earlier Today
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement in regards to the tragic shooting today at a constituent event in Tucson, Arizona involving Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords: I was shocked and saddened to learn about the tragic and senseless shooting in Tucson, Arizona today involving my dear friend and colleague, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, and her constituents and staff. As Chairman of the … Continue Reading
January 06, 2011
FEMA Recoupment Requires Careful Evaluation
(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 (DHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) Management Advisory Report on the Recoupment of Improper Disaster Assistance Payments (OIG-11-21): "In the last six years, residents of the Gulf Coast have been at the epicenter of the nation's most devastating disasters. As residents of this region strive to … Continue Reading
January 05, 2011
Republicans Fail to Fix Homeland Security Jurisdiction
(WASHINGTON) - Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement expressing concern about the failure of the Republican Majority's Rules package to fix jurisdiction over homeland security. In July 2004, the 9/11 Commission Report recommended that there be not more than one authorizing Committee in the House for the Department of Homeland Security. They argued that consolidated jurisdiction would provide the … Continue Reading