Floor Situation

H.Res. 1320 is expected to be considered on the floor of the House on Wednesday, May 5, 2010, under suspension of the rules, requiring a two-thirds majority vote for passage. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Michael McMahon (D-NY) on May 4, 2010, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, which took no official action.H.Res. 1320 is expected to be considered on the floor of the House on Wednesday, May 5, 2010, under suspension of the rules, requiring a two-thirds majority vote for passage. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Michael McMahon (D-NY) on May 4, 2010, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, which took no official action.

Bill Summary

H.Res. 1320 resolves that the House of Representatives:

• "Commends the actions of Mr. Lance Orton and Mr. Duane Jackson for promptly alerting authorities about the suspicious vehicle in Times Square on May 1, 2010;
• "Urges all Americans to remain vigilant about potential terrorist or suspicious activity within their own communities;
• "Recognizes the New York City Police Department, in particular those Police Officers directly involved in thwarting the attack, and other law enforcement agencies for their consistent commitment to preparedness for and collective response to terrorism;
• "Recognizes the exceptional professionalism and investigative work by the New York Police Department, the FBI, and all law enforcement agencies involved in apprehending a suspect only 48 hours following the attempted bombing; and
• "Urges all Federal agencies to continue to work with State, local, and tribal partners to bolster preparedness for and prevention of terrorism."

Background

On Saturday, May 1, 2010, an individual attempted to detonate a car bomb in New York City's Time Square.  Mr. Lance Orton and Mr. Duane Jackson, two citizens nearby, noticed the suspicious vehicle and quickly notified the police in the area.  According to the findings listed in the resolution, "New York City Police Officer Wayne Rhatigan, while patrolling on horse, responded to the reports of a suspicious vehicle and acted swiftly with his colleagues in the New York Police Department and the Fire Department of New York to thwart the detonation of the car bomb."  First responder teams quickly cleared Time Square, evacuating hundreds of people and were able to dispose of the car bomb before it detonated.