Chamber, Business Execs Outline Homeland Security Concerns

WASHINGTON, D.C. — United States Chamber of Commerce officials and more than 150 business leaders — from nearly every economic sector — met with key policy makers from the administration and the new Department of Homeland Security today to outline issues, concerns and opportunities.

"Business must have a seat at the policy table to ensure enhanced security is achieved without sacrificing economic growth," said Kim Dougherty, Chamber vice president for national security. "A principal element of America's security is the well-being of our economy. We need to start from a position of public-private cooperation and a recognition that the expeditious flow of goods, services, and people is the very system we are working to protect."

The new Special Assistant to the Secretary of Homeland Security for the Private Sector, Alfonso Martinez-Fonts, Jr., met with business leaders at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce today to discuss some of the major issues facing the Department of Homeland Security, including: flow of information, funding and shared responsibilities for new initiatives, implementation and economic impacts.

"We are living in unique times that require innovative thinking from the public and private sectors," said Martinez-Fonts. "A healthy partnership between the federal government and the business community is vital, if we are to create a new organization that can get results and heighten security."

The Chamber has several homeland security business forum roundtables scheduled in the coming months to consider different aspects of homeland security protection, such as: immigration and border security, transportation and infrastructure safety, trade and technology.

"Our millions of business and professional members will encourage a policymaking process that is cost effective and results oriented," said Dougherty. "The new Department of Homeland Security can increase our safety and well-being, by recognizing the key role of the private sector in protecting critical infrastructure and economic prosperity."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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