politics30.htm

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October 24, 2002

Milt Jenkins
612 Court Street #1
Sioux City, Iowa 51101

Dear Milt:

Thank you for contacting me. I am always glad to hear from you.

The Administration and Congress are continuing our bipartisan efforts to prevent future terrorist attacks on our nation and for quick response and recovery should another attack arise. As part of this effort, we must do everything possible to coordinate government agencies responsible for keeping our citizens safe.

Both the House and Senate have introduced legislation to create one department to achieve and maintain homeland security. As you may know, the House passed its legislation version on July 26. The Senate is currently debating the version sponsored by Senator Lieberman (D-CT).

I support the establishment of a Homeland Security Department. I want to make certain that this new department is well organized so it can effectively coordinate activities with functions relating to state and local preparedness to avoid future attacks on our country. We also need to be careful not to set up an unnecessary and expansive layer of bureaucracy in the process.

I am also concerned with proposals that would strip federal workers of their basic worker protections and bargaining rights. Under current law, the Administration can immediately fire, hire and transfer workers for National Security reasons. I believe established rules already provide for flexibility to preserve national security while at the same time maintaining basic workers established rights.

On September 11 our country lost over 3,000 citizens to groups that found gaps in our domestic security. I can assure you that I will work in my role as Senator to do what I can to keep this country safe from future threats.

Again, thanks for sharing your views with me. Please don't hesitate to let me know how you feel on any issue that concerns you.

Sincerely,

Tom Harkin
United States Senator