Chris Dodd: “I appreciate immensely the support of the Senator from Mississippi and others who are willing to accept the amendment. I…”

“I appreciate immensely the support of the Senator from Mississippi and others who are willing to accept the amendment. I want to commend Senator Byrd, Senator Specter, as well as their staffs, for the tremendous efforts they have made on behalf of the amendment. We were able to work out an offset that will not do any significant damage to the management and administrative functions of the Homeland Security Department. We still would have a 35-percent increase in title I, and roughly the status quo when it comes to title IV. Firefighter staffing is the No. 1 issue for firefighters all across America. By agreeing to this amendment, we are fulfilling our pledge to these heroes to do everything we can to not only provide them with the materials, training, and equipment they need, but also the necessary personnel these departments must have if they are going to complete their jobs. Again, I thank the Senator from Mississippi and his staff for their outstanding efforts.”