Jon S. Corzine: “I strongly support the leadership and initiatives of the distinguished Senator from West Virginia with regard to these…”

“I strongly support the leadership and initiatives of the distinguished Senator from West Virginia with regard to these issues on homeland defense. There are so many powerful arguments that support this investment that I think our society needs to make in the protection of our communities through the bioterrorism initiative, which puts money in State and local hands, money that will make a difference to make sure we have the plans in place to really protect our people. I live in New Jersey. We had a number of anthrax-related events in our Postal Service. We were not prepared, and the State ended up coming in and spending enormous amounts of money. It needs to be addressed now. That is why the kind of program that Senator Byrd has put together is so important. It is a good economic policy. We need to have confidence in our society right now. This is a statement to all of the people in this country that we take these issues seriously with regard to homeland defense, whether it is from bioterrorist attacks or whether it is protecting our nuclear plants, of which we have four in New Jersey. It is absolutely essential we send out these sure and certain statements that we care. It is good economic policy because it will stimulate our economy. We do not want to get too far away from that. This is real expenditures that will be out the door quickly. Our States are desperately strapped, as the Senator from Rhode Island was just saying.”