Congressman calls for fast action on Homeland Security office

Iowa Congressman Leonard Boswell, a democrat, says the Homeland Security cabinet position should be approved before the Congressional recess in August. Boswell says the safety of Americans is too important to not move ahead quickly. It would seem to be an issue that would draw lots of bipartisan support, but Boswell says there are still those against the idea.He says he expects a “pretty good” debate on the issue. Boswell says the person leading the Homeland Security effort has to have the authority to take any action needed to protect the U-S.He says there also needs to be a central clearing house for information so all agencies can share. Boswell is on the House Intelligence Committee and says the intelligence situation has improved some since the 9-11 attacks. Boswell says the government has had a lot of successes in stopping things, but says a coordinated effort is important to continue that success. Boswell recently moved from Davis City to Des Moines to run for re-election in the new third district.