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Homeland Security

The Challenge

In December of 1999, a terrorist attempted to cross into the United States from Canada at Port Angeles,
Senator Murray speaks with crew members of a KC-135R about the yearly work required to maintain the planes.
Senator Murray celebrates the arrival of the first container shipment tracked by Operation Safe Commerce. (More Homeland Security Photos)
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Washington. Fortunately, an alert Customs inspector discovered the explosive materials in his vehicle and the suspect was apprehended. Since that time, and following the terrible terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001, Senator Murray has been a leader in the effort to protect the homeland and the American people.

Prior to September 11th, Murray worked to increase staffing at the Northern Border for the Customs Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Following the terrorist attacks, she took a leadership role to meet air travel security needs, worked to identify and address port security needs to protect Washington's ports, and secured new Coast Guard assets for Washington's homeland security needs. Senator Murray, as chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, held homeland security related hearings in Washington, D.C. and Washington state.

Senator Murray has also used her assignments on the Senate Budget Committee and the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee to seek increases in funding for First Responders in the federal budget. She has met with local leaders from all across Washington state to discuss equipment and training needs for our First Responders.

Senator Murray is very concerned that the responsibility to pay for homeland security will be passed to the States and local governments as many struggle with record budget deficits. Again and again, Senator Murray has argued that the Federal government has a significant role to play to help states and local governments meet federal requirements.

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Recent News Releases

11/9/2006
Statement by Senator Patty Murray on the Democratic Victory in the U.S. Senate

10/13/2006
President Signs Murray's Port Security Bill into Law

10/13/2006
PHOTO: Murray's Port Security Bill Becomes Law

10/13/2006
Port Security: Murray Urges White House to Fund New Port Security Law in It’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2008

10/9/2006
Murray Statement on North Korea

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