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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,
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| Senator Murray celebrates the arrival of
the first container shipment tracked by Operation
Safe Commerce. (More Homeland Security
Photos) _______________________ |
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
11/18/2008
Senator Murray Re-Elected to Democratic Leadership Team
9/10/2008
Murray Statement on Pentagon's Decision to Cancel Tanker Contract