Going forward, as we work to strengthen our border in the interests of homeland security, we must also recognize the economic importance of immigration reform.

We must make every effort to neutralize this threat peacefully, but be ever mindful of the growing danger Iran poses not just to a safe and free America, but to our allies abroad.

Immigration is not just compatible with but is a necessary component of economic growth.

Congress has an obligation to protect our country’s natural beauty, embodied in our nation’s parks, rivers, and breathtaking landscapes.

It is vitally important that we implement immigration reform. We need a bill that strengthens our borders and protects this nation, but that also makes it simpler for good people to become Americans.

As a former cop, I respect and appreciate those who’ve dedicated their lives to serving others as well as those who appreciate the rule of law and honor it.

One in seven Americans, including more than 8 million children, does not have even basic healthcare coverage.

I have faith the men and women of the Coast Guard will immediately rise to the challenge and see the people hit by Katrina through until the storm has truly calmed.

Increased and better screening for explosives is necessary – and Congress should fund it and TSA should implement it as quickly as possible – however that screening doesn’t reduce the risk posed by a trained terrorist with an unconventional weapon.

I came to Congress to help reduce spending.

In fact, street gangs are the primary distributor of illegal drugs in the United States.

Scissors, screwdrivers and the like pose an unacceptable risk to flight crews as well passengers.

I believe that the freedom of speech should be protected, but so should a family’s right to privacy as they grieve their loss. There is a time and a place for vigorous debate on the War on Terror, but during a family’s last goodbye is not it.

Today, we realize there are those actively seeking to harm us, to destroy our infrastructure and take lives.

At a family’s most difficult time, I want to make sure at a minimum that they have the very basic of comforts: the ability to grieve their loss privately and the knowledge that their country is grateful for their loved one’s sacrifice and service.

In Washington State, the immigrant population has grown by 42 percent in the five years between 2000 and 2005 – which is an increase from 8 percent to 10.6 percent of the overall population – and the jobless rate in the state has hit a 6 year low.

While some sit on the sidelines and fail to offer any practical solutions to address high gas prices now, the House is once again taking action to meet the energy needs of the American people.

It does not make sense that we are allowing known potential weapons, not unlike those the 9-11 hijackers used to overcome the crews of four airplanes, to be taken aboard passenger aircraft.

While port security remains one of our single greatest vulnerabilities, it makes little sense to give operational control of our ports to a foreign nation without first doing proper investigations.

It’s basic due diligence to make sure that whenever a foreign entity acquires a controlling interest in a U.S. company that national security isn’t threatened.

Ensuring Americans have access to adequate medical care should be a priority for all of us.

The men and women who make up a plane’s crew put their lives in jeopardy each time they fly. It’s our job as much as anyone’s to make sure we make it as safe as possible up there for them.

Going forward, as we work to strengthen our border in the interests of homeland security, we must also recognize the economic importance of immigration reform.

Gang violence in America is not a sudden problem. It has been a part of urban life for years, offering an aggressive definition and identity to those seeking a place to belong in the chaos of large metropolitan areas.

I believe that everyone can appreciate the right of a family to grieve the loss of a loved one in peace, regardless of anyone’s position on the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.