Yesterday on our blog I pointed out that the Republicans blocked Democratic efforts that would add scrutiny to all foreign investments that the United States take part in and add much needed funding to our nation's port security.Below are just a few of the specifics that the Republicans shot down with their votes:
- $300 million to enable U.S. customs agents to inspect high-risk containers at all 140 overseas ports that ship directly to the United States. Current funding only allows U.S. customs agents to operate at 43 of these ports.
- $400 million to place radiation monitors at all U.S. ports of entry. Currently, less than half of U.S. ports have radiation monitors.
- $300 million to provide backup emergency communications equipment for the Gulf Coast.
Can someone please explain to me what the Republicans have against those measures? I mean come on!
The Republican's anti-security votes come in light of a newly released report by the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security details serious flaws in our nation's port security.
Raw Story reports, "Though the Inspector General does identify some improvements over last year's evaluation that there was "no assurance that the program is protecting the nation’s most critical and vulnerable infrastructure," it still seriously calls into question the security of American ports, at one point noting that "it is not clear that DHS knows how much actual risk reduction has been achieved." (Read the full report here)
The Republican's anti-security behavior is disturbing to say the least.
I am proud Congressman Ford is standing up and fighting to secure our nation.
Whether it is writing an op-ed, running television ads, or going on a fact finding mission, Congressman Ford has done it all in the spirit of securing our nation.
The Congressman is also running internet ads that show his dedication to our nation's security.
The ads read: "20,000 cargo containers go uninspected daily. ONE dirty bomb would change the world. The Administration does nothing. Harold Ford, Jr believes we need 100% inspection. 20,000 reasons why he should be TN's next Senator."
Congressman Ford has shown he is 100% dedicated to securing our nation and its people while the Republicans have shown us their true colors.
What do Republicans have against securing America?
72 Days
Days of Congressional Inaction on Ethics
Above is the number of days that have passed since Jack Abramoff pleaded guilty to bribing Congressman.
It is also the number of days in which Congress has failed to pass an ethics reform bill that would limit private travel, ski and golf junkets, and would call for a full disclosure of expenses by lobbyists on members of Congress.
It is time for Congress to step up and pass an ethics reform bill that would do all of the above. In addition, it is time to end the pork barrel spending system as we know it and establish an independent ethics commission that would review ethics complaints against members of Congress.
I am proud Congressman Harold Ford Jr. is fighting for that reform!
Read Congressman Ford's call for reform of the House rules here!
