Homeland Security Funding Approved by House

June 18, 2004

Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, voted today to approve legislation containing funding crucial to First Responders and border security efforts. The Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year (FY) 2005, H.R. 4567, was approved with overwhelming bipartisan support 400-5.

"Properly securing our borders is a top priority in the global war on terror,” Dreier said. “We know that our borders have been too porous and our immigration services have had difficulty in the past. With the right amount of resources, and the proper focus, they can learn from past mistakes and keep us secure here at home. While we’ve had success over the past three years preventing another attack in this country, we cannot become complacent. This funding is absolutely critical to the security of the American people.”

Included in H.R. 4567 is $9.6 billion for border protection and related activities, an increase of $630 million over 2004 levels, and $828 million to modernize border, customs, and immigration information technology. Additionally, the bill provides $4.1 billion for First Responders. Of that funding, $1 billion will be delivered through grants for high-density urban areas, like Los Angeles.

“Each locality has its own unique homeland security needs,” Dreier said. “I’m particularly pleased this legislation included the high-density urban area grant process, because it helps the Los Angeles region meet the extraordinary challenges that are unique to our community. The homeland security process has to be a joint one, with state, local, and federal officials working together to maximize resources and information. Only if we cooperate will we be as successful as we need to be. The funding provided in this bill will help the efforts of all involved continue and be successful in their mission to protect the people they serve.”