Opening Statement of the Hon. Bill Thomas, a Representative in
Congress from the State of California,
and Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means
Hearing on Creation of Homeland Security Department
June 26, 2002
In front of us today is a historic document courtesy of the National Archives. It is the fifth Act of Congress creating the United States Customs Service, the first agency of the United States federal government ever to be created. It was signed more than 220 years ago by President George Washington in 1789. Customs was empowered to implement the first Act of Congress, the Tariff Act of 1789. Earlier this month another AGeorge W.@ proposed changes, which the Congress and American people welcome, to reorganize the government and create a Department of Homeland Security by transferring other agencies, including Customs, to that new department.
Since Alexander Hamilton first oversaw the fledgling Customs Service, its mission has always been primarily to collect revenue and to ensure that imports flow smoothly across the border. Today, Customs collects more than $20 billion in revenue each year. Over time, however, Customs has taken on many other functions because of its unique border presence. Fighting against illegal drugs, illegal trans-shipped t-shirts, and illegal Rolex knockoffs are just a few of these other functions. This hearing is about how changing priorities have led us to the point of rethinking our border security in a dramatic way. In so doing we should remember why Customs was created in the first place.
This hearing will focus on fundamental questions as we rethink the role of Customs in the 21st century, recognizing the historic and significant role of the Customs Service while exploring options and the effects of these options on a new department and the customers it serves. A group of people, now at Customs, fulfills many missions, often on an impromptu or ad hoc basis, that then become permanent. As we examine this further, we should ask ourselves fundamental questions: (1) If we combine Customs with several more entities and have them answer to the same Homeland undersecretary, will former Customs inspectors start doing Coast Guard or INS work or continue as they have been doing? (2) Will it be more effective to have each specialize or generalize? (3) Will the information generated by one entity more easily be shared with the others? (4) And what will happen to Customs’ first task – revenue collection? (5) What do these changes mean to a small or large American business that relies upon imported component parts in order to manufacture something? (6) What do they mean to the American retailers and consumers?
I look forward to the testimony of our witnesses today as we consider legislation by our July 12 deadline.
The Chair would like to now recognize the Ranking Member, Mr. Rangel.