Speech #1090178642

First. the Homeland Security Appropriations Conference Report funds our most important Federal programs aimed at securing the Nation against terrorist attacks. It provides $34.8 billion for the operations and activities of the Department of Homeland Security in fiscal year 2007. an increase of $2.3 billion over fiscal year 2006 and $2.7 billion above the Presidents request. The conference agreement aggressively addresses 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. This legislation secures our homeland first and foremost by protecting our borders and revitalizing immigration enforcement. because border security is homeland security. It provides over $21 billion for border protection. immigration enforcement and related activities. It includes an increase of $2.1 billion over funding in 2006. This includes $5.2 billion for the Secure Border Initiative and additional funding to support technology. personnel and infrastructure to prevent terrorists and other criminals from exploiting our borders and immigration system. Among other securityenhancing measures. this funding includes $2.77 billion for Border Patrol. adding 1.500 new Border Patrol agents. for a total of 14.800. It includes $1.2 billion for border fencing. vehicle barriers. technology and infrastructure. $4.2 billion for immigration and customs enforcement. $1.38 billion for Immigration and Custody Enforcement custody operations. adding 6.700 detention beds. for a total of 27.500. and $28.2 million to assist State and local efforts to enforce immigration laws. This conference report also recognizes the need to enhance port. container and cargo security by providing the funds necessary to secure our ports and inbound cargo in order to prevent terrorists and criminals from exploiting the international commerce system. It supports our first responders by paying attention to the needs of highthreat areas. firefighters and emergency management.