112th Congress
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) called for a change of strategy in America's War on Terror in Afghanistan. It would decentralize power away from the capital of Kabul, which has little influence over the rest of the country, and empower Afghanistan’s tribal leaders to work with the United States to fight our common enemy – the Taliban and al Qaeda – to which Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai does not appear fully committed.
"The United States and our allies sacrificed many lives in Iraq in the name of freedom. We liberated the Iraqi people from a dictator, affected the birth of a democracy and helped instill human rights where there were few. Americans should be proud of these accomplishments. It is ultimately up to the people of Iraq to defend their freedom and democracy. "
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"After four decades of tyranny and oppression the Libyan people are liberated. The United States should assist the National Transitional Council (NTC) in establishing a peaceful transition to democracy and stand with the Libyan people in their pursuit of the same freedoms that Americans have fought to defend."
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AUSTIN, TX – The U.S. Forest Service testified that it will re-examine its approach to pre-positioning firefighting aircraft in the wake of the most devastating wildfire in Texas history.
“We are interested in lessons learned,” said Tom Harbour, Director of U.S. Forest Service Fire & Aviation Assets, appearing before a congressional field hearing of the Homeland Security Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee, in Austin, TX.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Two decorated, retired U.S. Army Generals testified during a Homeland Security oversight hearing that the Mexican drug cartels are increasing their operational presence in the United States, are responsible for violent crimes on U.S. soil and pose a threat to our national security. The latter point was most recently underscored by Iran’s thwarted plot to contract with a drug cartel toassassinate the Saudi ambassador to the U.S.
"My priority is to fix the Department of Homeland Security and this authorization bill is a step in the right direction. We know from the hearings in my Oversight Subcommittee as well as reports from contractors and multiple agencies in the federal government that DHS is dysfunctional. Approving this authorization bill sets the department on the right path to turn DHS into a more effective organization.