WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole voted today for the Homeland Security Appropriations Conference Report (H.R. 5441) that provides $34.8 billion for security operations and activities.

      "In this day and age, we have to put defense and national security first and foremost. The Homeland Security bill meets our nation's most urgent needs and priorities by providing funding to secure our borders and enhance port, container and cargo security. It also makes great strides in supporting our first responders and making sure they have the tools and resources they need to keep us safe," Congressman Tom Cole said.

     The agreement aggressively addresses our most critical homeland security needs, including: border and immigration security; nuclear detection; port, cargo and container security; transportation security; natural disaster preparedness and response; and support to state and local first responders.

      The conference report on the FYO7 Homeland Security Appropriations bill must now pass in the Senate.

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