Today, Rep. Henry Cuellar announced that Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi named him as a conferee to H.R.1, Improving American Security Act of 2007. As a member of this conference, Congressman Cuellar will work with a select group of members of Congress to implement the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission.

"I thank Speaker Pelosi and Homeland Security Chairman Benny Thompson for believing in me and for naming me to the conference,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I know there are many issues facing our country, but there is nothing more important than making sure that all Americans feel safe in this country. And this is exactly what this bill does - it restores a sense of security to all Americans. As we near the sixth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on our country, it is imperative that these recommendations are implemented quickly.”

As Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response, Congressman Cuellar said he will use his expertise in safety matters to ensure that the recommendations are implemented. As a member of Congress representing the U.S.-Mexico border, Congressman Cuellar brings a unique perspective on security issues.

After negotiations are considered and a mutual agreement is made by the House and Senate on the final language of the bill, both chambers will vote on it again and send it to the President for his signature.

H.R.1 was the first bill of the 110th Congress passed by the House. It calls for the implementation of the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. Some of the provisions in the bill include improving homeland security, preventing terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction (WMD), and authorizing strategies for curbing the appeal of extremism around the world.  Other key provisions in the House-passed bill include:

• Improving the explosive screening of checked baggage at airports by requiring the installation of the latest in-line explosive detection systems.

• Expanding the screening of cargo on passenger aircraft by establishing a system for phasing in the inspection of 100 percent of cargo carried on passenger aircraft over the next three years.

• Beefing up efforts to prevent the proliferation of WMD by including strengthening the Defense Department’s Nunn-Lugar program, strengthening the Energy Department’s Global Threat Reduction Initiative, and creating a Coordinator for the Prevention of WMD Proliferation, who would also serve as Presidential Advisor.

“Implementing the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission has been a top priority for this Congress,” said Congressman Cuellar. “It is not only an honor to serve on this important conference, but a duty that I know will impact critical policies important to America and to the border,” said Congressman Cuellar.

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip.

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