Michigan AG named as NAAG’s Homeland Security panel chair

The attorney general of Michigan has been appointed chairman of the Homeland Security Committee of the National Association of Attorneys General, to which the CNMI’s Attorney General’s Office is a member.

Attorney General Mike Cox expressed his pride in having the opportunity to work with other attorneys general in the coordination and execution of homeland security policy.

“Terrorism is a real threat that our communities must anticipate, preempt and deter,” Cox said. “As chairman of the NAAG Homeland Security Committee, I look forward to the opportunity to work with other attorneys general to ensure that we take effective steps today to guard our communities tomorrow.”

The Homeland Security Committee was established in the wake of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, to advise attorneys general in their law enforcement and statewide policy efforts as they pertain to homeland security. The committee offers attorneys general a forum for discussing common issues and strategies; it also provides timely information as to federal funding, legislation and initiatives.

As committee chairman, Attorney General Cox will set the committee’s agenda, oversee the committee’s general direction, work to implement its policy recommendations within the association and bring the committee’s findings to the Association’s larger body. It is a role that Cox says he is looking forward to.

“Homeland Security is an issue for every state and every attorney general,” Cox said. “I am eager to begin working with the Homeland Security Committee so that together with my colleagues from across the country we can discuss these issues and strategize as to the best way our offices can act to keep our communities safe.”

Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter, vice-chairman of NAAG, says Attorney General Cox is well suited for the job.

“Attorney General Cox brings leadership, commitment and a record of accomplishment to the position of Homeland Security Committee chairman,” Attorney General Carter said. “I am certain that under Attorney General Cox’s direction, the committee will make great strides toward devising effective policies that will strengthen our state governments’ homeland security efforts.”

The National Association of Attorneys General is composed of the attorneys general of the 50 states and the chief legal officers of the District of Columbia (Corporation Counsel), the commonwealths of Puerto Rico (Secretary of Justice) and the Northern Mariana Islands, and the territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.