Representative John Tierney
Opening Statement
"Domestic Preparedness Against Terrorism: How Ready Are We?"
Field Hearing - Stratford, Connecticut
March 27, 2000
Subcommittee on National Security, Veterans Affairs, and International Relations
Committee on Government Reform
U.S. House of Representatives
Good morning. Let me welcome all of the witnesses here today, as well as the local, state, and federal officials who took part in the exercise on Friday. I am glad you all could be with us. I would also like to thank the Connecticut National Guard for organizing the exercise and hosting the hearing today here at the Armory. We are scheduled to have another field hearing in my district in Massachusetts next month, and I hope we can offer as much hospitality as you have provided to us.
Terrorism is a concern for all of our cities and towns because it will require a response by local resources first. Fire departments, police departments, hospitals - all of these local entities will be called on to respond quickly and effectively. In the case of a potentially catastrophic event, however, there are additional concerns that must be addressed:
.First, how well are we training and equipping ourselves for a future incident?
.Second, if an incident occurs, have we thought through the processes and procedures of action so we know how to respond?
On the first question, preparation for this kind of incident requires us to examine the possible threats, determine the risk of various scenarios, and transform that threat-risk assessment into concrete priorities for equipment, training, and research. On the second question, a procedure for action requires that we know who to call, when to call them, and what to ask for when we reach them.
With both of these efforts, there are many "unknowns" and "unquantifiables." There are also uncertainties about the extent to which federal funding should be directed towards enhancing local capabilities, preparing federal response mechanisms, or some combination of both. I hope when we return to Washington, we will have some clear ideas about priorities of our own.
Finally, I would like to thank Chairman Shays for his dedication and perseverance on this issue. He held five hearings last year on this topic alone, and I believe this is the Subcommittee's third so far this year. He has demonstrated his commitment to streamlining federal programs so they will be more coordinated, more efficient, and ultimately, more helpful to the local responders who rely on them.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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