Washington, DC – Today Senate Governmental Affairs Committee Ranking Member Fred Thompson (R-TN) applauded the filing of cloture on legislation to create a Department of Homeland Security. The Senate approved a motion to file cloture on the Thompson amendment creating the new Department by a vote of 65 to 29. The vote to invoke cloture limits consideration of the legislation to 30 hours, bringing the Senate closer to a final vote on the matter.
“With this vote, we are one step closer to creating a Department of Homeland Security. We have overcome significant challenges to reach an agreement on this bill, and not a moment too soon. This is a mission that is vital to the security of this nation. We need only to pick up today?s paper to be reminded of the threats facing our nation each day. We are fighting an unconventional war on unconventional fronts and we must act now, because the most important responsibility of this government it to ensure the security of the American people,” said Senator Thompson.