118 STAT. 3849 PUBLIC LAW 108–458—DEC. 17, 2004 (A) to carry out comprehensive assessments of the vulnerabilities of the key resources and critical infrastruc- ture of the United States, including the performance of risk assessments to determine the risks posed by particular types of terrorist attacks within the United States; (B) to identify priorities for protective and supportive measures; and (C) to develop a comprehensive national plan for securing the key resources and critical infrastructure of the United States. (2) Under Homeland Security Presidential Directive 7, issued on December 17, 2003, the Secretary of Homeland Secu- rity was given 1 year to develop a comprehensive plan to identify, prioritize, and coordinate the protection of critical infrastructure and key resources. (3) The report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States recommended that the Sec- retary of Homeland Security should— (A) identify those elements of the United States’ transportation, energy, communications, financial, and other institutions that need to be protected; (B) develop plans to protect that infrastructure; and (C) exercise mechanisms to enhance preparedness. (b) REPORTS ON RISK ASSESSMENT AND READINESS.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and in conjunction with the reporting requirements of Public Law 108– 330, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit a report to Congress on— (1) the Department of Homeland Security’s progress in completing vulnerability and risk assessments of the Nation’s critical infrastructure; (2) the adequacy of the Government’s plans to protect such infrastructure; and (3) the readiness of the Government to respond to threats against the United States. SEC. 7307. NORTHERN COMMAND AND DEFENSE OF THE UNITED STATES HOMELAND. It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense should regularly assess the adequacy of the plans and strategies of the United States Northern Command with a view to ensuring that the United States Northern Command is prepared to respond effec- tively to all military and paramilitary threats within the United States, should it be called upon to do so by the President. SEC. 7308. EFFECTIVE DATE. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, this subtitle shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act. Subtitle D—Homeland Security SEC. 7401. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON FIRST RESPONDER FUNDING. It is the sense of Congress that Congress must pass legislation in the first session of the 109th Congress to reform the system for distributing grants to enhance State and local government prevention of, preparedness for, and response to acts of terrorism. 6 USC 194 note. VerDate 11-MAY-2000 13:54 Nov 10, 2005 Jkt 029194 PO 00000 Frm 00383 Fmt 6580 Sfmt 6581 C:\STATUTES\2004\29194PT4.001 APPS10 PsN: 29194PT4
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