25 October 2002 The Honorable Tom Daschle Dear Senator Daschle: I am writing on behalf of the IEEE-USA to encourage the passage of homeland security legislation before the adjournment of the 107th Congress. We also strongly support inclusion of the amendments adopted to the House version (Title III of H.R. 5005) at the behest of the House Science Committee that would significantly enhance the Department's capability to research, develop, test and evaluate new technologies to combat terrorism, including the creation of an Under Secretary for Science and Technology. In the thirteen months since the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, there is an increasing realization of the need for America to respond with new ideas and new technologies. The Department of Homeland Security must be capable of anticipating and responding to new and evolving threats as they emerge. New technology can offer significant capabilities and cost savings -- for airport screening, the improved surveillance of our ports and borders, the protection of our energy and communications infrastructure, and the security of our public facilities and utilities. New methods of screening potential risks, new techniques of surveillance, improved fusion of data, and better assessment and warning technology are but a few of the needs that call for intense, continuing research and development of security technology. The inclusion of an Under Secretary for Science and Technology is an important first step to ensure the coordinated development of these new technological capabilities. We also urge you to include a science and technology office in the structure of the department, with adequate resources to anticipate and direct the department's R&D capabilities to address future threats. This coordinating function is critical to ensure that our security-related research is well-orchestrated and interdisciplinary in nature. When Congress resumes after the election, IEEE-USA also urges you to act quickly on important cybersecurity legislation (H.R. 3394 and S.2182) that has passed both chambers and which would authorize research and education needed to enhance U.S. capabilities to confront the challenge of cyberterrorism. If you have any questions, please contact Bill Williams at (202) 530-8331 or at Bill.Williams@ieee.org. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, LeEarl A. Bryant, P.E. Same letter sent to all U.S. Senators | Top of Page | Policy Log | Public Policy Forum | IEEE-USA | Last Update:
25 Oct. 2002 Copyright ©
2002, The
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. |
