Political Quotes

“this amendment will increase the fiscal year 2003 totals in the budget resolution to provide an additional $3.5 billion in funding for homeland security. Based on information about possible terrorist attacks against U.S. interests, the Secretary of Homeland Security earlier this week raised the national threat alert level to orange, indicating a higher risk of terrorist attack. We must support the actions being taken across our country to mobilize Federal response assets, strengthen the protection of our transportation systems, tighten security at our borders and ports, increase public health preparedness, and improve the capabilities of first responders. Secretary Ridge confirmed in a letter today that a supplemental appropriations request will be sent to Congress by the President in the near future to support homeland security efforts. This amendment will accommodate additional funding to meet these immediate homeland security needs, and I urge Senators to support it.”