Combating Terrorism: Comments on H.R. 525 to Create a President's Council on Domestic Terrorism Preparedness

摘要

We are pleased to be here to discuss a bill introduced by Representative Gilchrest of the full committee the Preparedness Against Domestic Terrorism Act of 2001 (H.R. 525). The bill would create a new Presidents Council on Domestic Terrorism Preparedness to coordinate and increase the effectiveness of federal efforts to assist state and local emergency response personnel in preparation for domestic terrorist attacks. We view this hearing as a positive step in the ongoing debate about the overall leadership and management of programs to combat terrorism and the nation s effort to reach consensus on the best approach. As you know, there are several other proposals to improve overall management of programs to combat domestic terrorism. While H.R. 525 proposes several changes to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 1 our comments, as agreed with your staff, are limited to a discussion of subtitle C that creates the new council. Many of the issues we raise should be familiar to the subcommittee because of our recent testimony before you on H.R. 525 and related bills and proposals. 2.