EIGHTY-EIGHTH NATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH

August 29, 30, 31, 2006

Resolution No. 97: The American Legion Role In Homeland Security Submitted by: Convention Committee on National Security

Whereas, Since before September 11, 2001, our Nation has been at risk to the new and changing invisible threat of terrorism launched from abroad; the United States, even during the War on Terrorism, has no more important mission than protecting the homeland and her citizens from future terrorism; and

Whereas, The National Strategy for Homeland Security aligns and focuses homeland security functions into six critical mission areas, namely, intelligence and warning; border and transportation security; domestic counterterrorism; protecting critical infrastructure; defending against catastrophic terrorism; and emergency preparedness and response; and

Whereas, The responsibility for providing homeland security is shared between federal, state and local governments, and the private sector; many homeland security activities, such as intelligence gathering and border security, are properly accomplished at the federal level: In other circumstances, like first responder capabilities, it is more appropriate for state and local governments to handle these responsibilities; and

Whereas, After the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, Presidential and Congressional budgets identified four priority areas for additional resources and they included: Support first responders, defend against bioterrorism, secure America’s borders and to use 21st century technology to secure the homeland; and

Whereas, Although there are Homeland Security appropriations committees in the United States Congress, there are no Homeland Security authorizing committees; and

Whereas, According to the Council for Excellence in Government, the greatest resource the United States has for enhancing homeland security-which has been largely untapped thus far-is the American people; and

Whereas, Polls have indicated that over 62 percent of Americans say they would be willing to spend time volunteering with homeland security planning, training and practicing drills in their communities, yet some 84 percent of Americans and first responders polled admitted to low awareness of federal, state and local emergency preparedness plans; and

Whereas, As former members of the Armed Forces trained in vigilance and security, who would be more qualified citizens than veterans to assist in many homeland security activities; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in Salt Lake City, Utah on August 29, 30, 31, 2006, That The American Legion urges its Legionnaires, Posts and Departments to assist in Homeland Security efforts in communities for example, by developing emergency kits and plans; by remaining informed and assisting families, schools, workplaces and communities in developing emergency plans and checklists; by reporting suspicious activity, or working with local councils of the Citizen Corps or community-based organizations; and, be it finally RESOLVED, That the Congressional leadership authorize the formation of Homeland Security authorizing committees to facilitate the Homeland Security budgeting process.