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Statement of the Honorable Howard Coble, Chairman

Hearing on Law Enforcement Efforts

within the Department of Homeland Security

(February 3, 2004)

The Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security will now hold the third hearing on law enforcement efforts within the Department of Homeland Security. The first hearing, held on July 9, 2002, examined the transfer of several law enforcement agencies and offices to the new Department of Homeland Security. The second hearing, held on November 20, 2003, focused on the Department of Homeland Security efforts through the Office of Domestic Preparedness to train state and local law enforcement and other first responders to prepare for and respond to terrorist acts. 

This hearing examines how the transfer of law enforcement agencies to the new Department has affected terrorism and non-terrorism law enforcement missions, how these agencies are working with other law enforcement agencies in and outside of the Department of Homeland Security, and whether the agencies need new law enforcement authorities to adequately carry-out their responsibilities.

The Secret Service has two missions: 1) law enforcement investigations; and 2) the protection of the President and Vice President of the United States, their immediate family members, and others. The Coast Guard’s mission has four parts: to handle maritime law enforcement, maritime safety, marine environmental protection, and national defense.

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement Bureau consists of the investigative and enforcement functions for immigration, customs, and air security. Responsibilities of ICE range from intelligence work to investigating child pornography.

I would like to commend you and your agencies on your dedication and efforts to protect our Nation against terrorists and other types of criminals. Your agencies carry great responsibilities and burdens. While we are at war with terrorists, the Country, at the same time, faces growing drug cartels, the proliferation of child pornography, financial and internet scams against the elderly and other serious crimes.

The Nation has limited resources that must be used wisely. So, I hope to hear today, how your agencies are coordinating, cooperating, and sharing information in these efforts. There have been various press articles about turf battles between some of your agencies and other agencies outside the Department of Homeland Security. If the articles are correct, I expect that you are working hard to end any disputes.

We do not have the time or luxury to deal with such nonsense as our very National Security is at risk. I look forward to hearing how any disputes are being or have been resolved and how the law enforcement agencies of this great Country are working together to protect the American people.

I would like to thank the witnesses who were able to be here today and look forward to their testimony. With that I recognize the ranking Member, Mr. Scott from Virginia for his opening statement.