Homeland Security

DATE=2/2/2005

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CONGRESS-HOMELAND SECURITY (L ONLY)

NUMBER=2-322220

BYLINE=JIM MALONE

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

HEADLINE: Homeland Security Nominee Promises to Balance Rights and Security

INTRO: President Bush's choice to run the Homeland Security Department says he is committed to balancing security and civil liberties. Federal Judge Michael Chertoff appeared before a Senate committee as part of his confirmation process. National correspondent Jim Malone has details from Washington.

TEXT: Judge Chertoff was praised by lawmakers from both parties during an appearance before the Senate committee that has oversight of the Homeland Security Department.

The former prosecutor and Justice Department official has been nominated by President Bush to replace Tom Ridge, who was the first Secretary of Homeland Security after the department was established by Congress after the 2001 terrorist attacks.

As a first priority, Judge Chertoff sought to reassure Senators on the committee from both parties that he is committed to protecting the civil liberties of Americans, even as he seeks to secure the country from terrorist attack.

/// CHERTOFF ACT ///

"I believe that we cannot live in liberty without security. But we would not want to live in security without liberty. So we need both of those to fashion the architecture of our civilization going forward."

/// END ACT ///

Some Democrats expressed concern about Judge Chertoff's tenure as head of the Justice Department's Criminal Division following the 2001 attacks. During that time, the department detained hundreds of illegal immigrants suspected of possible links with terrorism.

Democrats also urged the incoming security chief to press for more government funding within the Republican Bush administration.

Senator Joe Lieberman is a Democrat from Connecticut.

/// LIEBERMAN ACT ///

"The department has to receive adequate financial support to carry out the enormous responsibilities we have given you in law to protect the American people from an enemy, terrorists, who will strike us where we are vulnerable."

/// END ACT ///

Committee Republicans praised the job done by outgoing Secretary Tom Ridge. But Virginia Republican John Warner told Judge Chertoff that the Homeland Security Department must continue to improve in a number of areas to keep the country safe.

/// WARNER ACT ///

"And I think the work that has been done by Secretary Ridge and many others have heavily contributed to deterring a major attack. But we will have to sleep with one eye open for the indefinite future."

/// END ACT ///

A vote by the full Senate confirming Judge Chertoff as a member of the president's cabinet is expected in the near future. (SIGNED)

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