Protecting U.S. borders is a basic Federal function. it is national security. I also believe these unmanned aerial vehicles can enhance our capabilities. as they have for our military as demonstrated in Afghanistan and Iraq. I am in the position of being both the chairman of the Budget Committee and manager of this budget resolution. and also the chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees the Department of Homeland Security both our counterterrorism and border security programs. The distinguished Senator from Georgia is known as a real leader in this area. and we appreciate his counsel. I might note that this budget resolution proposes increases of some $4 billion for border security focused on improving infrastructure and giving our men and women on the front lines the tools to do the job. We will have to see how much of these funds survive the Appropriations Committees 302(b) allocation process and the administrations transmittals of emergency spending. But I can assure the Senator we will take a hard look at the UAV program as a component of a border security infrastructure program.
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border security