[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 79 (Monday, May 14, 2007)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1039] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. TIM MURPHY of pennsylvania in the house of representatives Monday, May 14, 2007 Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, on Thursday, May 10, 2007, my vote on the Motion to Recommit with Instructions to H.R. 2082, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (rollcall vote 340) was recorded as a ``yes'' vote when I intended to cast a ``no'' vote. I wish to clarify on the record my miscast vote and my strong support for the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC). As the Nation's principal center for strategic domestic counterdrug intelligence, the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC) in Johnstown, PA, provides critical information on national drug trafficking and abuse trends in the United States. I was pleased to support funding for the NDIC in the Intelligence Authorization bills in both the 108th and 109th Congress. Not only does the NDIC serve a vital role in our nationwide effort to combat drug trafficking, this center is critically important to the southwestern Pennsylvania region. Having these resources readily available in close proximity to the district I represent in Congress is a tremendous benefit to my constituents. NDIC field representatives on average have more than 30 years' experience in Federal, State, or local drug law enforcement and stand ready to assist my local law enforcement agencies and provide necessary intelligence and training. We are fortunate to have the Center in our backyard and look forward to benefiting from its work in the future. The NDIC's comprehensive annual report on national drug trafficking and abuse trends within the United States is one of the key tools for the Federal Government to respond to the threat posed by drugs to our families, schools and communities. Formulated in partnership with Federal, State, and local agencies with information from more than 3,400 State and local law enforcement agencies as well as thousands of personal interviews with law enforcement and public health officials, this report is one of the most comprehensive and detailed reports that our Federal Government receives on both domestic and foreign drug threats to our country. I look forward to continuing my support of the critical intelligence work of the NDIC to protect our families and the Nation. ____________________