For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
September 29, 2006

I applaud today’s passage of the FY 2007 Homeland Security Appropriations bill by the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 412-6.  The bill provides $34.8 billion in discretionary appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security and will allow us to build on our many accomplishments.  I want to thank Chairmen Harold Rogers and Judd Gregg as well as Ranking Members Martin Sabo and Robert Byrd for their strong commitment to ensuring the timely passage of this report which provides essential funding for the Department to continue its mission of securing the homeland.  I support final passage in the Senate.  

Improving Border Security

The Department of Homeland Security strongly supports Congress's legislative agenda to require more technology and physical infrastructure along the border. In line with this, critical components of our Secure Border Initiative are funded at an unprecedented level.  This includes funding for an additional 1,500 border patrol agents, 6,700 detention beds and $1.2 billion for border fencing, vehicle barriers, technology and tactical infrastructure.  

This mix of investments will enable the department to make substantial progress toward preventing terrorists and others from exploiting our borders and provides flexibility for smart deployment of physical infrastructure that needs to be built along the southwest border.  

Enhancing Chemical Security

This bill also provides authority for the department to implement risk-based security standards for chemical facilities that present high levels of security risk.  This measure allows the department to recognize the significant investments that responsible facilities have made in security, while providing us with authority to ensure that high-risk facilities have adequate safeguards in place.  This important authority was urgently needed, and I applaud the efforts of members in the House and Senate authorizing and appropriations committees.

Strengthening FEMA

As I have stated in the past, I strongly believe that FEMA should be kept within the Department of Homeland Security.  The bill wisely reinforces DHS’ ability to operate as a comprehensive all hazards agency by keeping FEMA’s capabilities within DHS.  DHS can thereby enhance FEMA’s ability to coordinate response and recovery efforts.  

Supporting Law Enforcement and First Responders

The bill also provides funding to enhance security for all modes of transportation and supports traditional missions such as maritime safety, drug interdiction, presidential protection and law enforcement. Substantial funding is included for first responders – firefighters, police officers and emergency medical providers, equipping them with resources to prepare them to prevent, deter and respond to terrorist acts and natural disasters.

Increasing Funds for Nuclear Detection

Importantly, the bill also provides a $163.6 million increase in funding over FY 2006 for the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO).  The funding will further the department’s critical priority of preventing nuclear and radiological terrorism.

###