| March 21, 2003 |
Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-Fort Worth) has been appointed to a top leadership post on the Select Committee on Homeland Security, a new panel responsible for coordinating efforts to protect the country from terrorist attacks. On Friday, Committee Chairman Chris Cox named Granger the Vice-Chair on the Subcommittee on Infrastructure and Border Security.
Washington, DC --
"Since 9-11, security at our airports has improved dramatically, but we have much more work to do in securing the nation's other entry points and critical infrastructure," Granger said. "In my new position, I will do my absolute best to address vulnerabilities at our ports, borders, nuclear facilities, dams, and all other potential terrorist targets."
"Kay has extensive experience as a mayor and policymaker in working to secure our nation's transportation network, as well as a proven record for bringing people together to solve problems," said Chairman Chris Cox. "Her leadership will be a tremendous asset in ensuring that the Department of Homeland Security succeeds in its mission of protecting America."
Granger served as the Mayor of Fort Worth from 1991 to 1995 and is a former member of the board of the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, then the world's third busiest. In Congress, Granger has served on the authorizing committees for defense and transportation issues and currently sits on the House Appropriations Committee.
The focus of the Select Committee on Homeland Security is to work with the President to implement the legislation creating the Department of Homeland Security. The Committee's oversight is devoted to getting the new Department up and running as quickly and efficiently as possible. In all, Homeland Security is the biggest reorganization of the federal government since the Defense Department was created in 1947 to better coordinate the nation's defense against military threats.
"At a time when our troops are battling to prevent the use of weapons of mass destruction, Congress has a responsibility to continue to work to strengthen our ability to prevent future terrorist attacks," said Granger.
Granger also will serve on the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness and Response and the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Science, and Research and Development.