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Thomas Kean Jr. on Homeland Security
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After Sept. 11th, do whatever it takes to protect America
After September 11th, elected officials from both parties, and much of the world, vowed to do whatever it takes to protect America and its citizens. Unfortunately, nearly five years later, Washington has failed to take the basic steps necessary to
protect us. That is unacceptable. The dangers to our country have not passed. Tom is committed to addressing the problems that plague the system head-on, and implementing real solutions for life in a post 9/11 world.
Source: New York Times Election Profiles
Oct 8, 2006
Surveillance of personal data ok to win War on Terror
Q: Do you support more government surveillance of bank accounts, telephone records, and other personal data to combat terrorism? KEAN: Yes, I support the use of surveillance techniques to win the war on terror while protecting civil liberties and
staying within the law.
MENENDEZ: We must do all we can to combat terrorism, but we must also enforce the current system of court oversight to protect individuals' privacy rights.
Source: Hall Institute N.J. Senate Virtual Debate
Sep 24, 2006
Respect Geneva Conv. but be flexible in prosecuting terror
Q: Do you believe the standards for treating prisoners of war as delineated in the Geneva Code should be changed to allow for stronger interrogation procedures? KEAN: I supported the Senate compromise legislation. It was tailored to respect the Geneva
Convention, while providing the flexibility to prosecute the war against terrorism.
MENENDEZ: We must protect innocent people from terrorists, punish those who attack Americans, and do both in a humane manner consistent with the Geneva Convention.
Source: Hall Institute N.J. Senate Virtual Debate
Sep 24, 2006
Deploy missile defense system against North Korean threat
Q: How should the US respond to the potential threat from North Korea?KEAN: While the best means of engaging Kim Jung Il is an aggressive diplomatic effort with international partners, the reality of North Korea acquiring the capability to launch
a nuclear missile strike against the United States justifies the deployment of a high-tech missile defense system. North Korea can never be permitted to threaten the United States the way it threatens other nations in the Asia-Pacific region.
Source: Hall Institute N.J. Senate Virtual Debate
Sep 2, 2006
Grants for port security and counterterrorism
After September 11th, elected officials vowed to do whatever it takes to protect America and its citizens. Unfortunately, Washington has failed to take the basic steps necessary to protect us. That is unacceptable. The dangers to our country have not
passed and there must be a renewed sense of urgency. [Kean supports]:- Homeland security grants: Tom will fight to ensure that high risk areas like New Jersey have the resources they need to keep their citizens safe.
- Information sharing: Tom
will work to ensure that the National Counterterrorism Center shares timely, authentic terrorist threat information with the states
- Port security: Tom will work to ensure that maritime security grants go to the ports at greatest risk
- First
responder communications: Tom will work to solve communications problems before terrorists strike again.
- Nuclear, Biological &Chemical Attacks: Tom will work to accelerate the pace of security efforts for weapons of mass destruction.
Source: Campaign website, www.TomKean.com, "NJ Issues"
May 2, 2006
Co-sponsored bill establishing Office of Counter-Terrorism
S66 Establishes the Office of Counter-Terrorism in but not of the Department of Law and Public Safety. This bill would establish the Office of Counter-Terrorism in but not of the Department of Law and Public Safety. The office already exists, however
this legislation would permanently codify the office in statute, and would also enhance the existing mission and authority of the office.
The office would be supervised by a director, who would be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor
with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Director of the Office of Counter-Terrorism would report to the Attorney General on matters relating to the enforcement and prosecution of criminal business in the State and to the Governor on all matters
relating to homeland security. The bill would create a dedicated, non-lapsing fund to be known as the "Counter-Terrorism Fund." The director would administer any money appropriated by the Legislature to the fund.
Source: N.J. State legislative records, Bill S66
Jan 10, 2006