For Immediate Release Contact:

20 March 2003 I. Lanier Avant

202.225.5876

CONGRESSMAN THOMPSON TO BE TOP DEMOCRACT ON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, United States Representative Bennie (D-MS), the number two Democrat on the House Select Committee on Homeland Security, announced that he will serve as Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness and Response.

Congressman Thompson stated, "The task of preparing our first responders for potential attack is critical. Medical and rescue personnel must have the resources needed to ensure their ability to protect Americans in the event of a disaster. My focus will on getting the necessary resources to essential departments and personnel at the local level of government. Communities should be empowered to deal with the threats posed by weapons of mass destruction. I believe this panel offers the best opportunity to impact these communities," he concluded.

The Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness and Response has jurisdiction over: preparation for and response to chemical, biological, radiological and other attacks on civilian populations; protection of physical infrastructure and industrial assets against terrorist attack; issues related to liability arising from terrorist attack; public health issues related to such attacks; disaster preparedness; coordination of emergency response with and among state and local governments and the private sector; homeland security technology; relevant oversight; and other matters as referred to the Subcommittee.

Reps. Jane Harman (CA), Benjamin Cardin (MD), Peter Defazio (OR), Nita Lowey (NY), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC) Bill Pascrell (NJ), Donna Christensen (VI), Bob Etheridge (NC) and Ken Lucas (KY) are the other Democrats on the Subcommittee.

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I. Lanier Avant
Legislative Director
United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS)
2432 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
202.225.5876 (phone)
202.225.5898 (facsimile)
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© Magnolia Political Report 2002 • PO Box 24233 Jackson, Mississippi 39225 FAX 601.355.7885 • scoop@magnoliareport.com Josh Gregory, Editor