Alicia Robinson and S.J. Cahn
Rep. Chris Cox on Wednesday announced plans to require the Department
of Homeland Security to establish priorities and deadlines in
building its major programs -- essentially to face the same scrutiny
by Congress as the rest of the federal government.
Cox, the chairman of the House Select Committee on Homeland
Security, said: "Progress by the Department of Homeland Security
shouldn't be determined arbitrarily, or politicized. Progress should
be gauged by a realistic set of measures that will lead to a stronger
department and a more secure nation."
Cox was named the head of the committee after the creation of the
homeland security department after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11,
2001.
"We are crafting legislation to ensure we fulfill our oversight
responsibilities over the largest re-organization of the federal
government in the past half-century," Cox said. "It's very important
that we make clear what Congress considers priorities, and to
establish deadlines, where necessary, for meeting these priorities."
Rohrabacher prepares to comport himself
Rep. Dana Rohrabacher planned to speak this morning before the
U.S. House water resources subcommittee about a bill he proposed to
help local ports pay for infrastructure and security upgrades.
H.R. 3028, the container fee bill, would allow ports to levy fees
on cargo containers that pass through and use the money for security
and infrastructure. Ports now have to ask the federal government for
money to meet the increased security requirements of the 2002
Maritime Transportation Security Act, Rohrabacher spokesman Aaron
Lewis said.
The Los Angeles and Long Beach port complex is the third largest
in the world, and the amount of trade it handles is expected to
triple within 20 years, Lewis said.
"What better way to create a new revenue stream than by putting a
fee on the number of containers that pass through there?" he said.
However, Lewis said strong opposition is expected from shipping
industry lobbyists, who protested in September when Rohrabacher's
container fee bill was added as an amendment to the Water Resources
Development Act. As an amendment, the container fee provision failed,
Lewis said.
More names,
but more validity?
And the endorsements keep coming. As the March 2 primary election
draws closer, local candidates are working hard to gain support from
all types of organizations and fellow politicians.
This week's press releases included one from 70th Assembly
