CONGRESSWOMAN CANDICE MILLER
Homeland Security Appointment Holds Much Promise for Michigan
by Congresswoman Candice Miller

The first and foremost responsibility of our nation is to provide for a national defense. As a member of Congress, it is a serious and somber duty to ensure the safety of American citizens. In fact, one of our Founding Fathers, President John Adams, said, “The national defense is one of the cardinal duties of a statesman.”

Following the horrendous attacks of 9-11, the nation was thrust into the reality that our nation was required to do more to protect the people. We found that those terrorists used our freedoms against us and our nation was unprepared.

That fateful day changed our nation at its core and the security of our homeland again took its rightful place at the fore of the federal government’s duties.

I am very proud that I have recently been appointed to the House Committee on Homeland Security. This is a very important committee with significant implications for our area and our nation.

Michigan is a border state, with Canada just across the St. Clair River and Lake Huron. The border is an important gateway for tourism and commerce. It was also how the 9-11 terrorists entered the United States.

And Michigan’s 10th Congressional District, which I represent, is home to the Blue Water Bridge, the second busiest commercial border crossing on the northern tier; Selfridge Air National Guard Base, which has expanding missions in the area of homeland security; and Coast Guard stations at Selfridge, Port Huron and Harbor Beach. It borders Chemical Valley, which is one of the largest collections of petro-chemical operations in North America. It contains the CN Rail Tunnel, which is the busiest rail artery in the U.S., and is the genesis of important trade arteries interstates I-94 and I-69.

Since my arrival in Congress I have advocated for an enhanced homeland security presence at Selfridge and for a greater focus on northern border security. This posting will allow me to focus on those important issues.

I will continue to stress the critical role Michigan must play if we are to adequately defend our nation. This new post will allow me to push for more resources at Selfridge and throughout Southeast Michigan to ensure the security of our nation and of the people in this vital region of the country.

And from my seat on the Homeland Security Committee, I will have the ability to immerse myself in critical issues for our nation, including illegal immigration, border security, a safe food and water supply, and the protection of our airways, waterways, roadways and railways. I am very excited to begin my work.

If you wish to contact Congresswoman Miller you may reach her in Washington, D.C. at 228 Cannon Building, Washington, D.C. 20515; Phone: 202-225-2106; Fax: 202-226-1169. You may also reach her in Michigan at Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township, MI 48317; Phone: 586-997-5010; Fax: 586-997-5013.