Croci Named Chairman of State Senate’s Homeland Security Committee

State Senator Thomas D. Croci (R-Sayville) was designated Chairman of the Senate’s Homeland Security, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee by Majority Leader Dean Skelos.  

“I’m deeply honored and to take on this great responsibility” said Senator Croci.  “I’m ready to assist Governor Cuomo and our state’s homeland security professionals to prepare, prevent, and protect New Yorkers from the full spectrum of threats to our safety and security.  New Yorkers will also have a strong advocate in our recovery from the catastrophic attacks on our homeland and weather events that we have all lived through in recent years. I sincerely thank Senator Skelos for the opportunity to serve New York in this important role.”

Within hours of his appointment as Chairman, Senator Croci, a Naval Intelligence officer and veteran of the war in Afghanistan, who also served in the White House Situation Room and on the Homeland Security Council Staff for two U.S. Presidents, attended his first briefing with NYS Homeland Security Commissioner John Melville and his key staff to begin assessing the state’s security resources and procedures.  The Senator plans additional meetings with other local, state and national officials in the coming weeks. 

In addition to the Homeland Security Chairmanship, Senator Croci was also named as a member of the Senate’s committees on Energy, Infrastructure and Capital Investment, Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Higher Education, and Civil Service.

“Long Islanders will have a relentless advocate on these issues as I begin work with these important committees.  Energy and infrastructure are crucial to our economic future and survival on Long Island.  I intend to pursue effective oversight of LIPA and provide funding for sewers and other critical infrastructure needs to promote economic development and preserve our quality of life,”  Senator Croci said.  “I also want to keep our SUNY and Long Island’s private colleges the best in the state, while attacking our region’s heroin and prescription drug epidemics and the crime and blight associated with this scourge. I am dedicated to facing these challenges head on.”