Cord Byrd: “The White House knew, when it sent the budget to the Congress, that the funding relied on a tax hike on air travelers--a…”

“The White House knew, when it sent the budget to the Congress, that the funding relied on a tax hike on air travelers--a tax hike the Congress had already rejected. The Appropriations committees lack jurisdiction to increase the aviation passenger tax, and, of course could not do so in this bill. As a result, despite Chairman Gregg's best efforts, the bill that is before the Senate does not provide the necessary resources for port security. My amendment addresses that shortfall. Just 2 months ago, the Senate approved my $648 million port security amendment to the supplemental. Regrettably, the President threatened to veto the supplemental unless what he characterized as low-priority spending was dropped from the bill. In conference, port security funding was stricken from the supplemental. I hope that the Senate will approve this port security amendment again and that this time, it survives in conference. The amendment is within the allocation available to the subcommittee for fiscal year 2006. The American people expect more than just a paper-thin security plan for our ports. I thank Chairman Gregg for his support. I thank my illustrious chairman, Senator Gregg, for his support, and I urge the adoption of my amendment. Exhibit 1 American Association of Port Authorities, Alexandria, VA, July 10, 2006. To: All Members of the United States Senate. From: Kurt Nagle, President and CEO, American Association of Port Authorities.…”