Rep. Torres and Homeland Security Cmte. Ranking Member Thompson Tour Port of Long Beach
WASHINGTON, DC - During the recent District Work period, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-CA) was joined by Committee on Homeland Security Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) on a tour of the Port of Long Beach's Joint Command and Control Center (JCCC).
The state-of-the-art JCCC is responsible for monitoring security above, on, and below the waters surrounding the Port of Long Beach. It houses the Port of Long Beach Security Division and Harbor Patrol and units from the Long Beach Police Department, Port of Los Angeles, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Marine Exchange.
"At a time when our national security faces unprecedented threats, it is reassuring to know that we have such an impressive facility here in our own backyard," said Torres, a member of the Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Maritime and Border Security. "It was eye-opening to see first-hand the work of so many dedicated personnel committed to protecting our homeland and highlighted the importance of giving our national security agencies the tools and funding they need so they can effectively respond to emergencies and security threats."
Rep. Torres and Ranking Member Thompson were joined by representatives from the Port of Long Beach, Port of Los Angeles, and the Long Beach Police Department. In addition to a tour of the Port's security operations, Torres and Thompson also received extensive briefings on port security at the San Pedro Bay Ports.
"I was pleased to visit the Port of Long Beach Command and Control Center, which is part of the largest port complex in the country. Congresswoman Torres showed me the steps the facility has been taking to advance port security – a critical part of our homeland security infrastructure. Facilities such as the Command and Control Center receive homeland security grants which would be threatened in a possible DHS shutdown, so it is imperative we keep this funding stream open," said Ranking Member Thompson. "Although she has just joined the Committee on Homeland Security, I am impressed with Congresswoman Torres's start, and I look forward to working with her this Congress."
The Port of Long Beach handles over $100 billion in goods annually, supports about 1.4 million U.S. jobs, and generates roughly $15 billion in trade-related wages, and along with the neighboring Port of Los Angeles, they create the largest active port in the U.S. and the fifth largest in the world.
"Ensuring that we keep one of the nation's most critical assets safe is among our top priorities at the Port of Long Beach," stated Harbor Commission Vice President, Rich Dines. "We are proud of the partnership that we have with Congress Members Thompson and Torres, along with other law enforcement and first responders to implement programs to secure the port complex."
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