In these uncertain times, the United States deserves a vigorous and accountable homeland security policy. But equally important is the need to guarantee that our efforts to combat terrorism remain consistent with our values and our commitment to an open and free society.

As Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and a member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Technology, Terrorism and Homeland Security, Senator Feinstein has long been involved in the homeland security debate. She is committed to continuing to work hard to ensure that our finite homeland security funding dollars are allocated where the need is greatest.

Priorities:

• Securing our nation’s borders.
   
• Enhancing security measures of the Visa Waiver Program.
   
• Ensuring transparency in homeland security funding.
   
• Strengthening Congressional oversight of the Intelligence Community.
   
• Improving federal disaster planning.
   
• Protecting California’s public infrastructure.

Accomplishments:

• Reducing Crime and Terrorism at America’s Seaports Act – Increased security at our nation’s ports by enhancing criminal penalties for smuggling terrorists or dangerous materials.
   
• Border security and visa entry reform – Helped prevent terrorists from entering the United States by closing loopholes in our immigration system.
   
• Enhanced Intelligence Community & FBI cooperation – Advocated the “significant purpose” language in the USA Patriot Act that began to break down the wall between intelligence and law enforcement investigations that, in part, prevented the government from stopping the 9/11 attack.
   
• Intelligence Community Leadership Act – The first sponsor of legislation to create the position of Director of National Intelligence to oversee the nation's intelligence community, set priorities and give direction to the 16 intelligence agencies.
   
• Created terrorist watchlist capability – Required a terrorist watch-listing capability and the creation of the National Virtual Translation Center.
   
• Terrorism victims – Improved the ability of the Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime to provide immediate and effective assistance to victims of terrorism abroad.
   
• Passage of annual intelligence authorization bills – As chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator Feinstein was able to pass legislation for fiscal years 2010 and 2011 (after six years without an annual bill) to fund and authorize activities for the 16 different agencies across the U.S. government that make up what is called the Intelligence Community. Passing these bills restores the Senate and House Intelligence Committees’ ability to conduct serious oversight and play a meaningful role in shaping the Intelligence Community’s funding and activities.