In the wake of the September 11 attacks and continued terrorist threats against our country, local communities have stepped up their domestic preparedness efforts to make the homefront more secure. Public health and safety officials have no doubt spent many hours preparing their communities to prevent, respond to and recover from terrorist attacks. Local leaders are asking what it’s going to take to make their communities safe.

In November, I organized a meeting of first responders in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids. I wanted to hear from those on the frontlines of our domestic war on terrorism. My goal was to learn about the progress of homeland defense efforts in the state and the resources needed from the federal government to ensure that Iowa’s communities are safe. We can most effectively fight the war on terrorism when we communicate and cooperate at the national, state and local levels.

The good news is that Iowa’s homeland security has improved since September 11. Local and state officials say that communication with their federal counterparts in Iowa is going smoothly. For the most part, first responders say they have good working relationships with federal agents at the regional level and vice versa.

Yet, things could be better. While effective communication exists between first responders and federal agents in the field, state and local officials expressed the need for more information from federal agencies in Washington. They are also looking to the federal government for additional resources. Funding is needed to upgrade communication systems, increase the number of workers, meet training needs and purchase new equipment. It’s estimated that Iowa has spent at least $2.6 million on homeland security since September 11. More funding is needed to meet domestic defense needs.

In addition, Iowa’s unique role as a leading agricultural state should not be overlooked by those responsible for ensuring homeland security. A deliberate sabatoge of our nation’s food supply could wreak devastating consequences. The federal government is taking every precaution to protect American agriculture, but there is still more that can be done. First responders need specialized training to fight against potential acts of agroterrorism. We need to upgrade research facilities that focus on cubing contamination of our food supply.

Immediately following the September 11 attacks, Congress passed a $40 billion package to expand counter-terrorism efforts at home and abroad and to assist with recovery and clean-up in New York and at the Pentagon. Only a fraction of the $40 billion has been spent, and significant resources remain in the pipeline. I want to make sure that Iowa communities get the funding they need to ensure the safety of residents.

I’m taking Iowa’s case directly to the President’s Homeland Security Director, Tom Ridge. I’ve written him a letter to report what I heard from public health and safety officials and suggest ways the Office of Homeland Security can meet some of these needs. I want Director Ridge to consider this feedback when formulating and implementing homeland security plans.

I’ve also given my support to a bill to strengthen the nation’s ability to prepare and defend against bioterrorism. The legislation authorizes $3.2 billion in fiscal year 2002 to protect our nation’s food supply, speed the development and production of vaccines and other countermeasures, enhance coordination of federal activities on bioterrorism and invest in preparedness measures at the local, state and national levels.

Approximately $524 million of the funds authorized by the bill would be used to protect agriculture from bioterrorist attacks, including $80 million to upgrade the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service facility in Ames. Modernization of the Ames facility will help safeguard our food supply and enhance American agriculture’s biosecurity.

As the federal government develops and implements a strong coordinated plan for homeland security, I will make sure that Iowa’s needs are front and center. It’s vital that first responders be included in the process to ensure people on the frontlines continue to receive the information they need to make their communities safe. We will win this domestic war on terrorism as we work together to ensure homeland security at all levels.