Veneman Boasts 'Bold, Historic' Homeland Effort

July 17, 2002

Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman Tuesday testified before the House Select Committee on Homeland Security and called President Bush's proposed plan for homeland security "bold and historic," a proposal that will "better protect, better prepare and better coordinate" the critical responsibilities of homeland protection.

She added, "In putting forth this proposal, the President made clear the important role agriculture and protecting the food supply play in homeland security. Including parts of the USDA in the proposal is a clear recognition of USDA's vital mission as it relates to homeland security."

Veneman said the House Agriculture Committee worked closely with the Bush administration to refine the President's proposal that would move specialized border inspection and enforcement functions of USDA, as well as the Plum Island Disease Facility, to the new Department of Homeland Security.

"The House Agriculture Committee's amendment is consistent with the President's goal of unifying the border and transportation security functions of many Federal agencies," said Veneman. "The administration supports the amendment, and we look forward to working with Congress to ensure the final bill provides the Secretary of Homeland Security the coordinating authorities required to address the threat of agro-terrorism."

She listed some of the programs that would remain at USDA under the House Agriculture Committee amendment. These programs include protecting livestock from predators; eradicating boll weevil, fruit flies, and brucellosis; controlling rabies in wildlife; negotiating with foreign countries on technical requirements for U.S. exports and imports, biotechnology, animal welfare, as well as other programs.

Veneman cited examples of where the USDA has worked with states, academia and stakeholders to strengthen protection systems including expediting work with the Customs Service to implement an automated inspection targeting system; collaborating with research universities and state agriculture departments to step up the development of rapid detection systems; expanding USDA's network of diagnostic laboratories; strengthening pest and disease surveillance; better securing and strengthening laboratories; and improving emergency preparedness capabilities.

For more information about the President's Homeland Security proposal and USDA's Homeland Security programs, visit http://www.usda.gov/homelandsecurity/homeland.html.