(Warwick, R.I.)�Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today announced his support for the Democratic Plan for Real Security.

�I firmly believe that it is the government�s first and primary responsibility to ensure the security of every American,� said Langevin. �The Democratic plan announced today outlines how to accomplish that in this era of unpredictable threats and challenges.�

The Democrats' Real Security Agenda would:

�The failed policies of the Bush Administration and Congressional Republicans prove their security rhetoric just doesn�t match reality,� said Langevin. �It is no secret our ports, railways, mass transit, chemical and nuclear plants and other critical infrastructure remain vulnerable to attack. The Bush Administration justified the invasion of Iraq with questionable intelligence, and we continue to pay the highest price for their woefully inadequate planning. Additionally, little has been done to reduce our nation�s dangerous dependency on oil from the Middle East. Americans deserve better."

In preparing for the threats that exist today as well as tomorrow, the Democratic plan strengthens local communities� preparedness by fully implementing the 9/11 Commission�s recommendations and ensuring Rhode Island�s firefighters, emergency medical workers, police and other front-line responders are fully trained, staffed and equipped.

The Democratic plan will hold the Bush Administration accountable for its handling of pre-war intelligence while working to ensure this is a year of significant transition to Iraqi sovereignty. The plan also calls for an investment in the rebuilding of a state-of the-art military and guarantees that Rhode Island�s veterans and their families receive the pay and benefits they earned and deserve. It will also rebuild our relationships with our friends and allies throughout the world and establish the U.S. as a global leader in clean energy technology.

�Real security for all Rhode Islanders is one of my highest priorities,� Langevin continued. �Rhode Islanders work hard and deserve to feel that their government is dedicated to protecting them and their families. Democrats have a plan that will use all of our national assets -- a strong military, diplomacy and international alliances, and our economic strength and innovation -- to ensure that we can keep our nation safe and to restore our leadership on the global stage."