Provides Significant Spending for Border Security Initiatives

Washington, DC, Sep 29, 2006 - Representative John Carter (TX-31) hailed House passage of the Homeland Security Appropriations Conference Report for Fiscal Year 2007. This bill provides $34.8 billion for our most critical homeland security needs, including: border and immigration security; nuclear detection; port, cargo, and container security; transportation security; natural disaster preparedness and response; and support to state and local first responders.

“Nothing is more critical to the U.S. than efforts to secure our nation. This spending bill funds programs that are vital to keeping our homeland secure from various threats,” Congressman Carter said. “Border security and immigration reform are urgent homeland security issues, and this bill supports initiatives that will immediately protect our borders.”

“This bill also supports ongoing homeland security efforts in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, including increased funding for first responders and transportation security. Port security initiatives are also in place to stop threats before they reach American soil,” Congressman Carter concluded.

H.R. 5441 provides $21.3 billion for border protection and immigration enforcement. This includes $5.2 billion for the Secure Border Initiative, which will give the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) the technology, personnel, and infrastructure to help prevent terrorists and other criminals from exploiting our borders and immigration system.

Additional border security measures included in the conference agreement are:

• $2.77 billion for border patrol, adding 1,500 new Border Patrol agents, for a total of 14,800;
• $1.2 billion for border fencing, vehicle barriers, technology and infrastructure;
• $4.2 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE);
• $3.1 billion for the Coast Guard’s homeland security missions;
• $1.38 billion for ICE custody operations, adding 6,700 detention beds, for a total of 27,500;
• $28.2 million to assist state and local efforts to enforce immigration law;
• $238 million for transportation and removal of undocumented aliens;
• $600 million for Air and Marine Operations for border and airspace security;
• $183 million for a total of 75 fugitive operations teams nation-wide, an increase of 23;
• $137 million for the Criminal Alien Program;
• $44 million for Alternatives to Detention;
• $362 million for the US-VISIT program; and
• $135 million to support immigration verification systems.

It is important to note that the construction of new border fencing can begin as soon as the President signs the Homeland Security Appropriations Conference report.

The bill also provides $3.4 billion for first responders, including grants to high threat areas, firefighters, and emergency management. The bill recognizes that no community is immune from terrorism, maintaining a fair balance of funds for basic formula grants and high-risk urban area grants.

This bill also strengthens federal disaster response by providing a total of $6.5 billion for the Preparedness Directorate and FEMA to prepare for and respond to any form of disaster or terrorist attack and includes funds and direction to address lessons learned from the 2005 hurricane season.

The spending bill continues efforts to enhance security for all modes of transportation, including ports, rails, and aviation, with a focus on developing and installing next generation technologies to inspect cargo, baggage, and passengers. In total, the agreement provides $6.3 billion – partially offset by fees – for TSA and Federal Air Marshals (FAMs). The agreement rejects the President’s proposed passenger fee increase.

$4.34 billion is provided to secure our ports and inbound cargo in order to prevent terrorists and criminals from exploiting the international commerce system. Stringent performance requirements mandate a strategy to double the amount of cargo currently inspected, screen 100% of cargo through the Automated Targeting System, and establish minimum security standards for cargo containers. The agreement further requires DHS to maintain a 100 percent manifest review rate at all CSI ports; a 100 percent validation rate of all C-TPAT participants; and doubling the amount of cargo entering the U.S. screened for radiation.

The bill also supports ongoing efforts to enhance the current inventory of our nation’s critical infrastructures; develop secure communications systems with federal, state, and local entities; and continue work with the private sector to implement protective measures around the nation’s infrastructure. Funding is also provided for tradition missions including drug interdiction, law enforcement, and maritime safety.

In addition to providing funding for homeland security priorities, this bill emphasizes Congress’ strong oversight of the Department of Homeland Security.