Gibbons Again Succeeds in Securing Tourism Population as a Factor for Terrorism Preparedness FundingHouse Passes Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act
9/29/2006
WASHINGTON, DC -- A senior member of the House Homeland Security Committee and ardent advocate for improved terrorism risk assessment, U.S. Congressman Jim Gibbons (R-Nev) hailed the passage of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations Act of FY 2007, which mandates that terrorism risk assessment include a consideration of transient and tourism population in the determination of overall risk and preparedness funding.
“I have worked diligently with my colleagues in the House Homeland Security Committee as well as DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff to ensure that tourism populations are included in terrorism risk assessments. I am pleased to announce that today’s Department of Homeland Security Conference report includes this very important provision which will help ensure the safety and security of Nevada’s residents and visitors,” said Gibbons. “Tourism is Nevada’s largest industry and last year we welcomed over 50 million visitors to the state. As a result, I have made it one of my highest priorities to educate my colleagues on the importance of including transient populations in the risk assessment formulas.”
Among other things, The Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of FY 2007 also provides $3.4 billion for state and local first responders and $21.3 billion for border protection, immigration enforcement and related activities.
Specifically this funding will provide the following:
First Responders
• $1.229 billion is provided for high threat, high risk discretionary grants
• $900 million for Basic-formula grants, including
• $200 million for Emergency Management Performance Grants
• $662 million for Firefighter Assistance Grants and the SAFER program to equip and hire firefighters
Border Security
• $2.77 billion for 1,500 new Border Patrol agents, bringing the total workforce to 14,800 agents
• $1.5 billion for border fencing, vehicle barriers, technology and infrastructure
• $1.38 billion for ICE custody operations, adding 6,700 detention beds, for a total of 27,500
• $238 million for transportation and removal of undocumented aliens
• $1.5 billion for border security technology and tactical infrastructure
• $600 million for Air and Marine Operations for border and airspace security;
• $183 million for a total of 75 fugitive operations teams nation-wide, an increase of 23;
• $137 million for the Criminal Alien Program;
• $44 million for Alternatives to Detention;
• $362 million for the US-VISIT program; and
• $135 million to support immigration verification systems.
For more information, contact:
Melissa Subbotin
Press Secretary
Congressman Jim Gibbons
Phone: 202-225-6155
FAX: 202-225-5679
URL:
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