Committee on Ways and Means

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Committee on Ways and Means

For Immediate Release
Contact: Press Office 202-225-8933
July 26, 2002

Statement of Chairman Bill Thomas
in Support of

H.R. 5005, the Homeland Security Act of 2002

Ways and Means Chairman Bill Thomas (R-CA) issued the following statement yesterday on H.R. 5005, the Homeland Security Act of 2002:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 5005 enacting the Homeland Security Act of 2002.

“The protection of the United States from threat and terror is, and should be, the first priority of this government. The protection that we seek today with the creation of the new Department is for our people, our property, and our economy. For more than 200 years, the U.S. Customs Service has been on the frontline supporting and defending our nation. The requirement for a strong Customs was so important that is was the fifth Act of Congress and was the first Federal agency of the new Republic. The many functions of Customs are as important today as they were at the start of our nation.

“Passage of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 is the right decision for the country. This country is only as safe and secure as the economy that supports it. Last year over $1 trillion in merchandise was imported into the country. Customs collected over $20 billion of revenue. The bill before us today helps to protect the trade functions of the Customs Service that are so vital to the strength of this land. It helps to protect the investment that America has made in the new computer system that will be the cornerstone of the new Department. The bill keeps Customs core revenue functions whole, which ensures that the many trade and enforcement functions will be carried out.

“Our bipartisan agreement in this bill:

Transfers the Customs Service in its entirety to the Department of Homeland Security Division for Border and Transportation Security.

Identifies revenue-related offices and functions within Customs (about 25% of the agency) and prohibits reorganization or decrease in their funding or staff or reductions to Title V pay and benefits levels.

Requires that adequate staffing of customs revenue services be maintained, and requires notice to Congress of actions that would reduce such service.

Maintains the Commissioner of Customs as Senate-confirmed.

Transfers all authority exercised by Customs to Homeland Security with the exception of revenue collecting authority, which would remain at the Treasury Department. Treasury may delegate this authority to Homeland Security.

Specifies that a portion of the Customs Merchandise Processing Fee must go to build the new Customs computer, which Governor Ridge has told us will likely be the cornerstone of the new Department’s architecture.

“For these reasons I urge a YES vote on House Resolution 5005.”

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