Schumer Gives Homeland Security Efforts a ‘C'

As the sixth anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001 approaches, the federal government's efforts at homeland security warrant a grade of C, according to a report released yesterday by Senator Schumer.

"In six years, the progress the Department of Homeland Security has made is shameful. We are years behind where we need to be," the state's senior senator said yesterday at Pennsylvania Station. "To do homeland security right, it takes focus, funding, and follow-through. All three have been lacking in this administration."

In his annual report, Mr. Schumer gave failing or near failing marks to what he called the country's poor emergency preparedness and response systems, grants funding for high-risk areas, and mass transit and truck security. Nuclear, chemical, and biological security efforts received the best rating, a B–.

Aviation security was downgraded to C+ for not yet imposing strict security and screening requirements for air cargo and for not completing the "terror watch list." Last year, it received a B–.

Recent congressional legislation may help alleviate some of the security concerns, Mr. Schumer said. An additional $749 million in homeland security funding was appropriated for next year and new screening requirements were mandated for airport cargo, trucks carrying hazardous material, and cargo containers at ports, he said.

Last year's report gave the federal government a C–.

A spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security did not return a request for comment.