Bennie Thompson: “last year we passed the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, which included significant funding boosts for…”

“last year we passed the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, which included significant funding boosts for homeland security programs. When the President signed the 9/11 bill, he made a commitment to our law enforcement personnel. He said, ``We will continue to work with Congress to make sure they have got the resources necessary to do their jobs.'' However, when the President's budget came out in January, it failed to fully fund the programs in the 9/11 Act. Frontline officers tell us that they do not have the resources they need to get the job done. The Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Service has been in a hiring freeze since late last year. The border patrol simply does not have the manpower or the support staff to be able to effectively do its job. Simply signing a bill is not enough. You have got to do what you promised to do. What we have been asking for today, in introducing this bill, is for the President to explain why it is not necessary to fully fund the 9/11 Act to better secure our Nation. Accountability is the key to homeland security. If the President is not going to make sure that homeland security increases are identified as being needed and are in the budget, then the American people deserve to know why. Additionally, this motion to recommit addresses a major threat in aviation security. The Rules Committee blocked consideration of this important measure, Mr. Speaker.…”