Rick Perry - Homeland Security
Summary
Governor Perry has not been vocal in his support or opposition to the PATRIOT Act or other Homeland Security provisions. In June of 2007, Governor Perry signed Senate Bill 11 into law. The legislation expanded wire taps in Texas into kidnapping and money laundering cases, and expanded the criminal street gang database.
Aggressive Stance to Protect the Homeland
In September of 2004, Governor Perry released a statement noting steps that Texas was taking to increase homeland security efforts in Texas.
Texas Is Taking Aggressive Steps to Protect the Homeland
Saturday, September 11, 2004 • EditorialGov. Rick Perry's Remarks to the Texas-Israel Chamber of Commerce
Three years ago, our nation was forever changed by the tragic events of September 11. The events of that day, and the terrorist attacks that have taken place around the world since then, have taught us that our enemies go to great lengths to execute their evil designs.It is therefore incumbent upon us to take every step we can to protect our homeland and ensure the safety of our citizens, our property and the freedom we cherish. And today, because of the cooperative efforts of federal, state and local leaders, Texas has never been better prepared for any type of emergency.
My first priority as governor of Texas is to secure the safety of our people. Immediately after September 11, my office began working to strengthen our state’s ability to prevent and respond to the threat of terrorism. We created the Texas Department of Homeland Security to coordinate efforts between federal, state and local authorities, and the strategic plan we developed was the first to be approved by the federal government.
As part of our comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism, I set forth three principal objectives to detect, deter and defend against terrorist threats.
Our first priority must be to prevent terrorist attacks in Texas. Our best defense is a good offense of increased security, better risk detection and improved communication. The state and federal governments have provided funding to enhance coordination and communication among law enforcement agencies, increase intelligence, and strengthen facility security. And I established the Texas Security Alert and Analysis Center to coordinate the state’s intelligence, response and warning systems.
Secondly, we must reduce the state’s vulnerability to terrorism. My office continues to work closely with state agencies and the private sector to identify and assess risks, and we have provided greater protections for critical infrastructure like ports, airports and other key assets.
Finally, we must be able to respond rapidly and effectively to minimize damage if an attack on Texas soil ever occurs. That’s why the state and federal governments have provided funding to better train first responders, equip hospitals and healthcare providers with the skills to respond to a bio-terrorist attack, and help communities purchase items such as decontamination equipment, hazmat suits and other equipment to support regional response plans.
Since 9-11, the state and federal governments have committed more than $1.1 billion to help secure the Texas homeland. These funds have vastly improved our communications systems and helped better prepare first responders, law enforcement personnel and health care officials across the state.
With an international border that stretches more than 1,200 miles, hundreds of miles of coastline, numerous petrochemical facilities, and several of the largest metropolitan areas in the nation, Texas is not an implausible target for an attack by terrorist enemies
But because of our efforts, Texans can feel secure and be safe in their homes and offices, at the airport or in their cars, and at any place they gather to play or worship.
While we cannot prevent every disaster, be it manmade or natural, we can and must take every step possible to prevent and prepare for emergencies. In Texas, we will continue to patrol, monitor, train and take every precaution to detect and prevent terrorist attacks. We will continue to protect our citizens, our homes and places of business, and our natural resources from assault or contamination. And we will continue to work together as a team with government and private leaders to ensure that our way of life and the freedom we cherish is available to all in future generations.
Foiled Terror Attack
In August of 2006, Governor Perry issued a statement noting a foiled terror attack and the need to remain vigilant against terror attacks.
Statement on Foiled Terrorist Plot
Thursday, August 10, 2006 • Press ReleaseAUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry issued the following statement on news of the foiled terrorist plot:
“Once again we are reminded that the events of 9/11 must not fade in our collective memory because the threat posed to the safety and security of our people remains real.
“The good news is this plot has been foiled, and measures to increase security at airports are being taken.
“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has raised the threat level for all commercial flights and large charter aircraft in the United States.
“My state office of homeland security conducted a conference call at 11 a.m. today with airport security officials at more than 30 airports in Texas to ensure they have all the assistance they need.
“I also talked to the heads of both American Airlines and Continental Airlines earlier today and offered the state’s assistance if needed.
“We remain in close contact with the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI regarding this foiled plot and the security implications to the state. And we will continue to work closely with federal officials to keep our people and resources secure.
“We face a persistent enemy that will continue the effort to destroy our way of life. That means all Texans must be vigilant and all Texans can know that the state government is taking these threats very seriously and taking numerous precautions – some seen, and others not – to keep them safe.”
Senate Bill 11
In June of 2007, Governor Perry signed Senate Bill 11 into law. The legislation expanded wire taps in Texas into kidnapping and money laundering cases, and expanded the criminal street gang database.
Gov. Perry Signs Homeland Security Legislation
Wednesday, June 06, 2007 • Press ReleaseSAN ANTONIO – Gov. Rick Perry today signed Senate Bill 11 into law creating the Border Security Council, which will assist the governor in allocating border security funding. SB 11 also establishes procedures for first responders to work together to provide mutual aid in times of an emergency, and expands law enforcement agencies’ ability to use wiretapping to detect and deter serious crimes.
“We must tighten the law enforcement noose on drug cartels, human smugglers and criminal enterprises that exploit our porous border, poison our children and destroy our way of life,” Perry said. “Thanks to actions taken by the 80th Legislature, more officers will be positioned along the border to stop criminal enterprises, more tools and technology will be used to assist in the fight, and more surge operations will be funded to close down key trafficking corridors.”
SB 11 does the following:
- Creates the Border Security Council to advise the governor on how best to allocate border security funds along the border. The governor appoints all members and the chair.
- Streamlines procedures for local government entities to engage in local mutual aid agreements. This includes defining the role of emergency management directors, creating disaster districts, outlining the process for political subdivisions to request and provide mutual aid assistance, and providing for the reimbursement of costs.
- Expands the Department of Public Safety Commission from 3 to 5 commissioners.
- Outlines provisions for amateur radio station license holders to participate in emergency management activities.
- Expands the use of wiretaps to include kidnapping, aggravated kidnapping, human trafficking and money laundering.
- Authorizes the Health and Human Services Commission to maintain a registry of certain immunization and medication administered during a disaster.
- Enhances information that can be collected in the criminal street gang database.
- Requires the Governors Division of Emergency Management provide crisis management training to appointed public officers whose job duties include emergency preparedness or response.
Since 2005, Gov. Perry has spearheaded the state-led strategy of putting more boots on the ground, more helicopters in the sky, and more resources in the hands of border law enforcement in order to curb criminal activity along the Texas – Mexico border. Local sheriffs’ offices and police departments have worked side-by-side with their state and federal partners during these highly successful border security operations, including Operation Linebacker, Operation Rio Grande and, most recently, Operation Wrangler.
Perry also noted the importance of local governments now being able to sign mutual aide agreements so that first responders from surrounding communities can immediately come to the aide of their neighbors in a time of crisis.
“If a city has been hit by a wildfire, a chemical spill, a biological threat, or an act of terrorism, bureaucracy should not impede compassion,” Perry said. “This bill removes bureaucratic hurdles when seconds count and lives are in jeopardy.”
SB 11 takes effect September 1, 2007.
CNN National Security Debate
On November 22, 2011 Governor Perry participated in a debate on CNN focusing on national security. He stated in that debate that he supported an extension of the PATRIOT Act, and strengthening it as new technologies arise.
BLITZER: Governor Perry...
(APPLAUSE)
... you proposed legislation that would criminalize these TSA pat-downs under certain circumstances.
PERRY: Right.
BLITZER: Explain what you have in mind.
PERRY: Well, here's what I would do with the TSA; I would privatize it as soon as I could and get rid of those unions.
(APPLAUSE)
It's working in Denver. They have a program where they're privatizing it. And the airlines and other private-sector groups work together to do the security in our airports. And it makes abundant good sense.
And I agree with most of my colleagues here on the stage when we talk about the Patriot Act. And we need to keep it in place. We need to have -- strengthen it if that's what's required, to update it with new technologies as they come along, Newt.
But here's the other issue that I think we've really failed at, and that is in our ability to collect intelligence around the world. And this administration in particular has been an absolute failure when it comes to expending the dollars and supporting the CIA and the military intelligence around the world, to be able to draw in that intelligence that is going to truly be able to allow us to keep the next terrorist attack from happening on American soil.