Question of the Week: 10th Anniversary of 9/11

These questions are culled from phone calls, letters, faxes and e-mails sent to Rep. Gallegly's Camarillo, Solvang, and Washington offices. Each week Rep. Gallegly adds another question and answer. Please add your comments.

September 9, 2011

Question: What is Congress doing to protect Americans from terrorist attacks?

Answer: This week, we are observing the 10th anniversary of the most deadly terrorist attack in our nation's history. We must always remember those who perished and those who are continuing to struggle with the physical and psychological scars from that day.

The most important way to honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, is to take every possible precaution to prevent another terrorist attack on our soil. Unfortunately, the need to remain vigilant has been reinforced by recent news reports that there is a credible threat to innocent civilians this weekend. The best way to stop future terrorist attacks is to make sure that our intelligence community has the tools they need to keep at least one step ahead of the terrorists.

On September 9, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1892, which would authorize the intelligence activities for Fiscal Year 2012. This includes activities to enhance our national security, support and assist the Armed Forces, and facilitate U.S. foreign policy.

H.R. 1892 would authorize $590.3 million in FY2012 for the Director of National Intelligence's (DNI) Intelligence Community Management Account, as well as 794 full-time personnel for this account. This is the principal source of funding for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and provides resources for the coordination of programs, budget oversight and management of the intelligence agencies. Additionally, the bill would provide additional flexibility for the DNI in managing the civilian personnel of the Intelligence Community.

The bill would also authorize appropriation of $514 million for the Central Intelligence Agency Retirements and Disability System for FY2012.

I voted for H.R. 1892 when it passed the House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 384 to 14. The bill now goes to the Senate.

For more information on my positions on terrorism, please see my Key Issue: Terrorism page.

For previous Questions of the Week chronologically and by topic, please see my Questions of the Week page.