Issue Position: Technology and Innovation

Issue Position

Since becoming the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I have heard from hundreds of companies and academics about technologies that could help secure our homeland. People have made it clear to me that the changing terrorist threat requires the best and brightest working to develop the next generation of homeland security technology.

Unfortunately, the government hasn't quite mastered this concept and its own technologies lag behind that of the private sector. The government's ability to harness the creativity of private sector and universities into its research and development is poor. Indeed, it seems like the government is spending a lot of time trying to recreate the wheel instead of working with companies -- especially small ones located outside of DC - to make the wheel they've invented go faster and last longer.

I have taken in a lot of what folks have told me and think that the Department of Homeland Security must develop priorities if it is going to win the War on Terror on the technology front. Right now, the agency is much like a football coach trying to tell players where to go and what plays to run without a playbook and a gameplan. It is a surefire way to lose and America simply cannot afford to lose this war.

Our nation cannot continue to use yesterday's technology to combat tomorrow's terrorist threat. Again, there are businesses and academic institutions -- including a number here in the 2nd District -- that are capable of producing the technology we need to protect our country. I want to make sure these folks get the opportunity to show their talents and contribute to our nation. After all, security is everyone's business.

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