Lloyd Bentsen: “I rise in support of H.R. 3338, important legislation that provides $317.5 billion appropriations to the Department of…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 3338, important legislation that provides $317.5 billion appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD), supporting the honorable men and women, at home and abroad that are in service to the nation at this critical time. While I am pleased that this measure provides $20 billion in supplemental spending to meet the pressing needs in the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, I am disappointed with the House Rules Committee's decision to block an amendment by Mr. Obey of Wisconsin that seeks to enhance our domestic preparedness by increasing funding by $7.5 billion, to a level that the President said he would approve. Mr. Chairman, the attacks and the anthrax incidents that followed highlight the necessity for adopting a comprehensive approach to homeland security that, while fundamentally based on our military strength and intelligence activities also relies heavily on bioterrorism preparedness among Federal, state and local law enforcement and public health officials, as well as active policing of our borders and the seas that surround us. For this reason, I strongly believe that the House should have been given the opportunity to debate the merits of the Obey amendment.”