Chris Dodd: “there were amendments to make available additional dollars to increase the number of border personnel offered by our…”

“there were amendments to make available additional dollars to increase the number of border personnel offered by our colleagues; amendments to appropriate funds for the Office of the Under Secretary of Information Analysis; amendments to increase the amount of appropriations for fire fighter assistance grants--Senator Mikulski and I offered that amendment--amendments to increase funds for research and to provide funds to increase maritime security; and, funds to increase emergency management performance grants. Senator Boxer offered an amendment to require a classified report to Congress on the security costs incurred by State and local governments, and so forth. A number of amendments have been suggested. With very few exceptions, these amendments have been rejected on points of order. They were in violation of the Budget Act because they would break the caps. I have great respect for those members who serve on the Appropriations Committee. It is not an easy job. But I think what we are faced with here is a problem that is far more significant than caps on these budget requirements under the appropriations bills.”