Since the horrific attacks of 9/11, almost 5 years ago, we've heard a lot of talk about our homeland security. The simple fact is that we're not as prepared as we should be.

Last week I was honored to receive the endorsement of Pennsylvania fire fighters and the IAFF in Scranton, PA. Spending time with these first responders reinforced my resolve to make it my solemn duty, and highest priority, if I am elected to the United States Senate, to protect and defend the citizens of this great nation.

The inscription on the Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Colorado Springs reads "Somewhere, Everyday." It epitomizes the commitment and willingness of these everyday heroes that sacrifice their safety, and even their lives, for the protection of others.

We should expect no less of a commitment from our elected officials.

In July 2004, the 9/11 Commission urged Congress to take immediate action. Again, nothing happened. The independent, bi-partisan 9/11 Commission gave the Republican controlled Congress a report card that included a grade of 5 Fs, 12 Ds, and slew of other mediocre grades. I believe that anything less than straight As in regard to our homeland security is unacceptable.

Unfortunately, this report is representative of the Republican approach to homeland security in general. They have taken many actions that sound bold. But upon close examination they are weak, under-funded efforts that lack true commitment and a sense of urgency.

We have known for years that our fire departments are dramatically understaffed. The U.S. Fire Administration has found that most fire departments do not have sufficient staff to respond to many common emergencies. It is perhaps understandable but still disappointing to acknowledge that it took a tragedy like 9/11 to focus public attention on this fact.

But what's most disturbing is that the lesson does not seem to have really gotten through to Washington.

The Bush - Santorum record is a national embarrassment. For example:

• Congress passed the SAFER Act three years ago to help local governments fund additional staffing for permanent firefighters. Yet the President has never funded this program in his budget. President Bush's budget, supported by Rick Santorum, would eliminate entirely what little money Congress has provided.

• Similarly, support for training and equipment for firefighters has been reduced by sixty percent over the past three years. This year, a year in which firefighters from all over the country came to the aid of those in need following Hurricane Katrina, the Administration has proposed to cut these grants by more than half, a $350 million reduction.

• Most troubling has been the lack of support from the Bush Administration on the vitally important policy issue of interoperable communications. After 343 firefighters and paramedics were killed on 9/11, ensuring that our first responders never had to enter the scene of the disaster without the ability to communicate should have been among the new Department of Homeland Security's highest concerns. But then, remarkably, four years later, we learned that first responders in Hurricane Katrina had the exact same problems.

What we need instead is an effort that provides strong federal leadership in partnership with local governments and first responder organizations. This strategy must build upon the existing state plans and promote regional cooperation.

Closer to home, the Philadelphia Police Department was turned down for a $6 million COPS grant last year for first responder communications. Currently, radios do not work in the SEPTA tunnels under the city of Philadelphia. This money would be used to wire the tunnels to allow first responders to use their radios underground.

Deputy Police Commissioner Charles Brennan summed up this failure by the federal government best when he said in the Philadelphia Inquirer: "We thought after the subway bombings in London, someone would see that it would make sense for the fifth-largest city in the United States to have first responders who were able to communicate underground."

Well I agree with Commissioner Brennan that we need to be more prepared to address the most serious threats to our country and homeland security will be one of my top priorities when I reach the United States Senate.

I'd be interested to hear any stories you might have of how this administration and its rubber stamp congress have short-changed first responders in your area.