Russ Knocke
Russ Knocke
continue move point
At this point of time, we continue to move forward.
business department federal fulfilling great private sector unique urgency
This is a unique circumstance. This is not like a business in the private sector or even other departments in the federal government. It's a unique department with a great sense of urgency for fulfilling its responsibility.
background case certainly experience policy political positions relevant rewards senior whether
It's certainly not the case that the senior positions are rewards for political loyalty. There is experience in their background relevant for doing their jobs, whether in policy or management.
apart aspects basic core corrected easily katrina obvious response
Apart from its obvious errors, it displays a significant misunderstanding of core aspects of the Katrina response that could have easily been corrected in the most basic conversations with DHS leaders.
against beat clear clock racing
We were racing against the clock and now it's clear the clock beat us.
indication
there is no indication of any nexus to terror.
assets federal homeland immediate meet recovery responsibility security support talking training
We're talking about an ultra-catastrophe, where the need is such that the military's training and assets would meet an immediate need in support of Homeland Security coordination of the federal government's responsibility and recovery efforts,
anyone focus priorities situation
While the situation in the Superdome was nightmarish and not satisfactory to anyone involved, it was not a life-and-death situation and we had to focus our priorities where we could,
capability clearly department dialogue discussed enhance hazards issues measures recovery regular since taken
We've had a regular dialogue with first responders and discussed some of these issues with them. We're clearly an all hazards department and have taken significant measures to enhance preparedness and recovery capability since Sept. 11.
assess assigned blame clearly learn plenty successful time worked
There will be plenty of time to assess what worked and what didn't work. Clearly there will be time for blame to be assigned and to learn from some of the successful efforts.
adjust alert plans terror time
A this time there are no plans to adjust the terror alert level.
backward building carry evolving looking meet rather secure seek shut terrorists ways
As we secure and shut down vulnerabilities, we know that terrorists will seek new ways to carry out their agenda. Rather than looking backward at yesterday's threats, we are building upon what we have already accomplished to meet evolving threats.
airport certain closely develop local officials orleans people plan receive rescued state taken waiting
There are certain evacuees who have been rescued from their nightmarish scenarios, and they have been taken to certain airports where they are waiting for airlifts and people are able to receive them, ... We are working more closely with state and local officials to develop a comprehensive plan while all the while airlifts from the New Orleans airport have continued.
national operating response
We were already operating under the National Response Plan.