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Standing Up for a Secure America

by N.J. Dem. Sen. Robert Menendez - 09/12/06 5:01 PM ET

The protection and security of our people is the paramount duty of government. And, if President Bush won’t stand up for our safety, I will. Today, my campaign unveiled a new television ad highlighting my commitment to homeland security.

After 9/11, I chaired the House Democratic Task Force on Homeland Security. I was one of the first advocates to call for the Department of Homeland Security. I was a strong supporter of the creation of the 9/11 Commission, and was one of the first to propose fully implementing its recommendations – including risk-based funding that would increase New Jersey’s homeland security dollars. That legislation was defeated by Bush Republicans in a party line vote.

I played a key role in getting subsequent legislation passed. In fact, 9/11 Commission Chairman Tom Kean Sr. and Vice Chairman Lee Hamilton personally wrote to me hailing my dedication to implementing the commission’s recommendations: “We strongly believe that, as a result of your and others’ commitment and dedication to reform, the American people are safer and more secure.”

In the Senate, I introduced legislation to finally and fully implement the 41 recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. I wrote this bill in response to the 9/11 Public Discourse Project’s disturbing report card which gave the Bush administration more F’s than A’s.

Each and every day, I am proudly standing up to President Bush and the Bush Congress. I beat back Bush’s tone-deaf deal to hand over port security to foreign nations like Dubai. I secured $1 billion to protect New Jersey’s ports. And, I’m leading the fight to protect our chemical plants and mass transit.