Cox plans to watch homeland security department closely

Alicia Robinson and S.J. Cahn

Rep. Chris Cox on Wednesday announced plans to require the Department

of Homeland Security to establish priorities and deadlines in

building its major programs -- essentially to face the same scrutiny

by Congress as the rest of the federal government.

Cox, the chairman of the House Select Committee on Homeland

Security, said: “Progress by the Department of Homeland Security

shouldn’t be determined arbitrarily, or politicized. Progress should

be gauged by a realistic set of measures that will lead to a stronger

department and a more secure nation.”

Cox was named the head of the committee after the creation of the

homeland security department after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11,

2001.

“We are crafting legislation to ensure we fulfill our oversight

responsibilities over the largest re-organization of the federal

government in the past half-century,” Cox said. “It’s very important

that we make clear what Congress considers priorities, and to

establish deadlines, where necessary, for meeting these priorities.”

Rohrabacher prepares to comport himself

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher planned to speak this morning before the

U.S. House water resources subcommittee about a bill he proposed to

help local ports pay for infrastructure and security upgrades.

H.R. 3028, the container fee bill, would allow ports to levy fees

on cargo containers that pass through and use the money for security

and infrastructure. Ports now have to ask the federal government for

money to meet the increased security requirements of the 2002

Maritime Transportation Security Act, Rohrabacher spokesman Aaron

Lewis said.

The Los Angeles and Long Beach port complex is the third largest

in the world, and the amount of trade it handles is expected to

triple within 20 years, Lewis said.

“What better way to create a new revenue stream than by putting a

fee on the number of containers that pass through there?” he said.

However, Lewis said strong opposition is expected from shipping

industry lobbyists, who protested in September when Rohrabacher’s

container fee bill was added as an amendment to the Water Resources

Development Act. As an amendment, the container fee provision failed,

Lewis said.

More names,

but more validity?

And the endorsements keep coming. As the March 2 primary election

draws closer, local candidates are working hard to gain support from

all types of organizations and fellow politicians.

This week’s press releases included one from 70th Assembly

District candidate Chuck DeVore of Irvine, announcing that he’s

endorsed by 74th District Assemblyman Mark Wyland, a fellow

Republican.

One of DeVore’s opponents, Marianne Zippi of Newport Beach, also

sent out endorsement-related tidings. Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo, who

has fought for immigration reform, now endorses Zippi, for whom

illegal immigration is also a major issue.

DeVore and Zippi will vie with Cristi Cristich, Chonchol Gupta,

Long Pham and Don Wagner to be the Republican candidate for the 70th

district seat in November.

Van Tran, a candidate for the 68th Assembly District seat, this

week announced his newest endorsement, from U.S. Rep. Darrel Issa,

who is considered the father of the gubernatorial recall. Tran will

face fellow Republican Mark Leyes in the primary.

Don’t call me,

I’ll call you

The latest Internet poll at Rep. Cox’s Web site suggestions

bothersome phone calls know no party lines.

Figuring the majority of the 100 or so respondents are among Cox’s

Republican backers, it appears the right to being left alone

outweighs any business-friendly perspectives.

The latest question is: “Was it right for a U.S. District Court

judge to block the National Do-Not-Call Registry legislation?”

At this point, 74% are saying “no.” And, yes, 26% are saying

“yes.” Math’s not a problem here.