Linda Stender for Congress

SENATOR JOSEPH BIDEN, LINDA STENDER, MAYOR JOHN GREGORIO DISCUSS HOMELAND SECURITY IN LINDEN

U.S. Senator Joseph Biden, Linda Stender and Linden Mayor John T. Gregorio joined together today to discuss homeland security and what steps must be taken for New Jersey to better protect itself from possible terrorist attacks near a refinery in Linden.

Biden (D-Delaware) is recognized as one of the nation's most powerful and influential voices on foreign relations, terrorism and homeland security. He serves on the Foreign Relations Committee and the Judiciary Committee. "Five years after September 11 we are still vulnerable and will remain vulnerable to terrorist attacks unless we begin to invest -- seriously and strategically -- in our homeland security," said Biden. "Democrats are committed to strengthening our homeland security by providing all the resources we need to protect America from terrorists. And I know that when Linda Stender is in Congress, she will do everything in her power to ensure New Jerseyans are protected and that New Jersey receives its fair share of homeland security funding."

"The American people expect and deserve a homeland security plan that will protect them from terrorists," said Stender, Democratic candidate for Congress in New Jersey's 7th District. "Bush Republicans like Mike Ferguson are voting to cut homeland security funding for New Jersey when our state should be receiving an increase in aid considering how vulnerable we are to a possible attack. New Jersey deserves better."

"The City of Linden is just 13 miles southwest of Manhattan and is home to an oil refinery," said Gregorio, Mayor of Linden. "It is important that the federal government distribute homeland security funds based on risk so that we can better protect our residents from a possible terrorist attack. I am confident that Linda Stender will fight for suitable homeland security funding for cities like Linden when she is elected to Congress on November 7."

Stender said she is concerned that towns and cities across America remain unprotected and are vulnerable to possible terrorist attacks. Ports, railways and transit systems, chemical and nuclear power plants all require a higher level of security than is currently provided.

Stender said Bush Republicans have cut funding for major programs in the federal budget this year, including homeland security funding for New Jersey. Rep. Mike Ferguson has supported those Bush cuts in homeland security funding as recently as this past June.

Stender said that by cutting funding for transit and rail security grants, slashing funding for first responders, and further cutting funding for airport screeners, Bush Republicans have put Americans' security at home at risk.

"The Bush Administration has been asleep at the switch while shipload after shipload of cargo slips into our ports unscreened," said Stender. "Bush Republicans like Mike Ferguson have spent more on dishing out tax breaks to the rich then they have on securing our ports. We have to do fix this, fix it right away, and hold Bush Republicans accountable for not implementing the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission."

"Bush Republicans have consistently underfunded security for rail and transit systems, ports and chemical facilities, and have failed to provide a comprehensive plan to secure our cities and states from possible threats," said Stender. "We need to make sure that funding gets to where it is needed and that cities and states living under the greatest threat receive the necessary resources. When in Congress, I will fight for improving our homeland security program, especially for the millions of New Jerseyans who use mass transit and passenger rail. They deserve better than the GOP's piecemeal approach."

Stender said America needs a threat-based strategy that acknowledges rail and mass transit and major cities as the most likely terrorist targets in the United States.

"Homeland security must always remain one of our highest priorities," said Stender. "The American people expect and deserve no less. Unguarded chemical plants present a clear and present danger to the American people and are a vulnerability that must be addressed, especially in New Jersey."

Stender also pointed to the needs of our first responders to ensure that they have the equipment, training, and support to adequately protect Americans at home. It is important that Congress provide local communities with everything they need to protect American families.

"We must ensure that the men and women on the front lines are not threatened by budget cuts," said Stender. "America cannot afford to take resources away from its first responders at a time when we rely on them more than ever. It is vital that first responders -- the police, firefighters, and transportation officials -- are able to communicate with each other in the event of a terrorist attack.

"It is inexcusable that five years after September 11 first responders still do not have the resources they need to put these vital communications systems in place. The time for a common sense approach to how homeland security is addressed has arrived and on November 7 voters will have the chance implement that common sense change."

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