Patrick Leahy: “I am pleased today to strongly support the amendment by the Senior Senator from West Virginia to restore funds approved…”

“I am pleased today to strongly support the amendment by the Senior Senator from West Virginia to restore funds approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee last year to enhance our homeland security. The Byrd amendment would be giving law enforcement the tools they need to do their job, focusing on both immediate and long-term threats we face at home and abroad. It aims to bolster our security against terrorists, and to improve the administration of justice throughout the country. This Federal support is desperately needed by our States, counties, cities and towns, which are now facing fiscal crisis. Since September 11, 2001, States, counties, cities and towns have become overwhelmed by increasing homeland security costs. The National Governors' Association estimated that States incurred about $7 billion in security costs in the past year alone. The National Association of Counties believes at least $5.2 billion is needed to better equip public health systems to cope with attacks and fight terrorism. The President's ill-conceived tax cut in 2001, along with the new cuts he proposes now, are likely to exacerbate these economic woes. The Byrd amendment would provide the Federal support that our States need by restoring $1 billion in homeland security cuts, restoring $2.5 billion of emergency homeland security funds, and funding the Airport Security Act, all critical needs. The Byrd amendment would also provide needed funding to protect our borders.”