Ehrlich on Washington column, October 14, 2001

NEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 21093 315 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 EHRLICH ON WASHINGTON By Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Week of October 14, 2001 Securing Freedom At Home The stunning achievements of America’s armed forces in the skies over Afghanistan last week should not overshadow America’s efforts to combat the world of terrorism here on the home front. Since September 1 1, Congress and the White House have worked to summon all the resources necessary to stomp out terrorism and its sympathizers here in the United States. As a signal of America’s resolve, President George W. Bush issued an executive order on October 8th, establishing a new, cabinet-level agency within the executive branch, known as the Office of Homeland Security (OHS). The agency’s mission, as directed by President Bush, is to set forth a comprehensive national strategy for securing the United States and her citizens from terrorist threats or attacks. Specifically, the OHS will team with federal, state, and local authorities to detect, prevent, and protect against terrorist cells hostile to the American way of life, wherever they may reside. This means coordinating with 46 government agencies that serve to protect the homeland, including the Department of Defense, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Make no mistake, this a daunting task. Only a proven and determined leader, one who understands the level of commitment needed to protect America’s ideals in wartime, can effectively meet the challenges presented by terrorism. It is fitting, therefore, that President Bush tapped Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge, a man who knows a thing or two about protecting America’s turf, to lead the OHS. Director Ridge, a Vietnam veteran and recipient of the Bronze Star and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, served five terms in the U.S. House of Representatives before being elected Governor of Pennsylvania, first in 1994 and again in 1998. In his first address as Director of the OHS, Ridge made clear that his agency will spearhead and win the domestic war against terrorism, while safeguarding the fundamental liberties you and I enjoy every day.