Reply #20: Try this for national security. [View All]

[SangamonTaylor]

Strengthening Efforts to Fight Bioterrorism

Edwards authored provisions of a bill that would strengthen homeland preparedness for a potential bioterrorism attack on our nation’s air, water and food supply. Edwards’ provision would improve stockpiled of vaccines and antibiotics, help state and local governments become better prepared for a bioterrorist attack, and increase food inspections. The bill provides $4.6 billion in funding, including $1.5 billion in funding to help states.


Protecting Our Computer Systems

In 2002, Senator Edwards authored two bills to thwart terrorist and criminal attacks on computer systems. Provisions from these bills were included in legislation signed into law, including provisions that would encourage federal agencies to increase computer security by disseminating a list of the best security practices, and requiring agencies to report their cybersecurity efforts to Congress. The legislation would also devote $25 million to increase the number of university professors researching cybersecurity, which would help fill the critical need for cybersecurity experts with fellowships and training programs.


Protecting America’s Seaports

Edwards worked to get key provisions to safeguard North Carolina’s ports included a bill passed by the Senate to improve seaport security. Because personnel at seaports currently have the resources to search only two percent of the cargo containers that entry the country every day, the Maritime Transportation Security Act was passed to fund security improvements to U.S. seaports. Edwards provisions would provide new funding for security infrastructure at seaports, establish Coast Guard high-speed boat patrols to protect vessels and ports from terrorist threats, and ensure that cargo entering the country has not been tampered with for criminal or terrorist purposes.

Improving Border Security

Edwards authored a provision passed as part of an anti-terrorism bill that requires the FBI and other federal law enforcement agencies to develop sophisticated lookout databases. The legislation requires computer programs to match variations of the same names—keeping terrorists out of the country, while preventing innocent people from being wrongly accused of terrorism. During debate on the bill, Edwards worked to ensure that the strengthened security measures protect sensitive intelligence information from disclosure. The provision was part of the Enhanced Border Security Act, which was supported by Edwards, and also required intelligence agencies to share information with U.S. consulates regarding individuals who threaten U.S. security.