Patty Murray: “we face extremely serious threats here at home, and that is why it is so important that the Senate pass the Homeland…”

“we face extremely serious threats here at home, and that is why it is so important that the Senate pass the Homeland Security Appropriations bill that is now before us. This bill is designed to help strengthen our security at the Federal level, at the State level, and at the local level. From our local firehouses and our police departments, to our borders, airports, and seaports, this bill will help our country be more secure and better able to respond to any disasters we may encounter. This year, in his budget, President Bush sought to cut funding for first responders and for emergency planning. And, frankly, he failed to adequately fund border security and port security. But here in the Senate, we have a different view. We want to invest in our security here at home, and we have written and signed a bill that I believe reflects the right priorities for this country. Mr. President, I am honored to serve on the Appropriations Committee and on the Homeland Security Subcommittee under our distinguished chairman, Senator Byrd. No one cares more about the American people and no one has worked harder on this bill than Senator Byrd. Thanks to his efforts, and those of Senator Cochran, the bill that is before us passed our subcommittee unanimously, and it passed the full Appropriations Committee unanimously as well. That strong support we saw in both the subcommittee and full committee is really critical because the President has threatened to veto this bill.”