Rep. Bob Etheridge joined other Democrats on the House Select Committee on Homeland Security to point out what they see as security gaps even with all the work since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

They released a 100-page report Wednesday -- one year after the Department of Homeland Security started. "This report is a comprehensive look at where we are and where we need to go in order to protect America from another terrorist attack," said Etheridge, of Lillington.

In a statement, he said the report highlights two areas of special concern: the preparedness of first responders and safeguards for the food and water supply.

Many firefighters and other emergency personnel lack equipment, such as systems to smooth communication during a large-scale disaster, Etheridge said. And there aren't enough labs to inspect food and detect threats to agriculture, he said.

Making a case

Sen. Elizabeth Dole brought a former Raleigh obstetrician/gynecologist to Capitol Hill this week to help make the case for the latest Republican bid to curb medical malpractice lawsuits.

"Many of our OB-GYNs have been forced to move or quit their practices, leaving women in our state with access to fewer and fewer physicians," Dole said. "This in unacceptable."

At a news conference, she was joined by Dr. John Schmitt, who left his Raleigh practice after his insurance premium tripled to $46,000 a year. He is now on the medical school faculty at the University of Virginia.

Dole and other supporters said the bill would deter frivolous lawsuits by limiting malpractice damages against obstetricians and gynecologists. Democrats call it an election-year ploy.

The GOP bid failed Tuesday when Republicans were unable to get enough votes to force consideration of the bill.

Watching mutual funds

Rep. Brad Miller claimed a victory this week when the House Financial Services Committee adopted his amendment to require mutual fund companies to appoint a lead independent director to oversee their operations and compliance with federal laws.

The measure, aimed at preventing mismanagement of mutual funds, would give the independent directors the power to place items on the agenda, call meetings and hire outside experts.

"Mutual funds need truly independent directors who know the industry, will ask tough questions and will exercise independent judgment, not just go along with the funds' managers," the Raleigh Democrat said in a statement.

Giving praise

Etheridge also took to the House floor this week to honor two Wake County luminaries.

He praised Bill McNeal, superintendent of Wake schools, who last week was chosen as the national superintendent of the year by the American Association of School Administrators.

"Bill has demonstrated outstanding leadership in raising academic performance by reaching out to all elements of the community and bringing folks together behind a shared vision of educational excellence," Etheridge said Wednesday.

Etheridge also entered into the Congressional Record a eulogy of sorts for John Wesley Winters Sr., Raleigh's first black City Council member, who died this month.

"Mr. Winters was a builder, land developer, civic leader and a pioneer in improving race relations in his city and state," Etheridge said.