Washington, D.C. – The following is from the opening statement of U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management Subcommittee Ranking Member, from today’s hearing on federal building security and the Federal Protective Service.
Watch Rep. Diaz-Balart’s statement on YouTube.
“The Oklahoma City bombings and the 9-11 terrorist attacks demonstrated that federal buildings are key targets for those who wish to do us harm, and recent arrests in a terror probe serve to remind us that the danger is still real.
“In the wake of the 9-11 attacks, the Congress created the Department of Homeland Security and transferred the Federal Protective Service from the General Services Administration to the new Department. The intention was to improve security at our nation’s federal buildings and facilities.
“However, despite the importance of security, the Government Accountability Office has found that serious problems persist. As highlighted last year before this subcommittee, the GAO has found significant issues with respect to the management and oversight of the contract guard program.
“The GAO also found that FPS does not use a risk management approach to link threats and vulnerabilities to resource requirements, raising questions as to whether resources are used as efficiently and effectively as possible.
“The potential result of these vulnerabilities is apparent. During a recent review of building security, GAO investigators carrying the components for an improvised explosive device successfully passed through security checkpoints at ten federal facilities.
“Resolving these issues is critical to protecting the people that work and visit federal buildings everyday, and, ensuring security policies are consistent and effective will help to balance security with appropriate public access.”
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