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Brooklyn, NY - Following the November election victories that resulted in a Democratic majority in the New York State Senate, [20 Sen. dis.]NYS Senator Eric Adams was appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs. The responsibilities of the committee include the oversight of and approval of legislation for all aspects of homeland security, issues of concern to veterans, and military affairs as they relate to the State of New York.

Senator Adams stated: “Chairmanship of the Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs is a weighty responsibility. During my tenure, I will examine homeland security issues involving preparedness, prevention, protection, response, and recovery. Emergency preparedness will be a top priority. The safety and well-being of the citizens of the State of New York is my primary concern.”

The Senator reported that he would examine methods to increase overall preparedness, especially for catastrophic events, scrutinize transportation systems to enhance security and efficiency, including port safety, check communication systems, particularly the manner in which first responders interact with one another, study border defense, focusing on technological innovations, and promote information sharing among state agencies. The coordination of emergency response mechanisms during natural disasters will also be investigated.

Senator Adams added: “My committee will also concentrate on issues concerning the rights of veterans. New York State contains veterans of our country’s past military commitments, and we have a new generation of soldiers returning from tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. We must do everything we can at the state level to ensure that we keep our promises to our nation’s veterans and maintain the benefits we have promised to those who have served their country.”