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Commerce, Justice, Science, And Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008

Floor Speech

Date: July 25, 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Women


COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2008 -- (House of Representatives - July 25, 2007)

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Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Chairman, my amendment is very simple. It would provide an additional $6 million to the FBI, and to reduce the Economic Development Administration account to offset this cost.

I think that Congress must do all that we can do to provide appropriate resources to the hardworking men and women serving at the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Every day these brave public servants stand on the front lines of our Federal law enforcement efforts and on the domestic front on the war on terror, and they need and they deserve all the support that Congress can give.

Many of my colleagues know that I have a real and very personal appreciation of the organization of which my father served as Director of the FBI between 1987 and 1993. I have nothing but the greatest respect for all the sacrifices that these agents make on behalf of our country, and I am happy to be able to come to the floor today with this amendment to support that great work.

As the report to the bill notes, since September 11, 2001, the FBI has undergone a significant transformation. They are being asked to make hard choices about resource allocation as they track domestic terrorist threats, arrest suspected drug kingpins, and ensure that criminals, from bank robbers to corrupt businessmen to tax cheats, are brought to justice.

Even with an increase of around $500 million in this bill, the FBI's salary request still faces a deficit. While I wish this amendment could go further, I understand the constraints of the budget authority and the outlay rules that Congress must follow.

Regardless, I believe that this is an amendment that will send a clear and unmistakable signal to the men and women of the FBI that we support them, that we support their hard work, and that we support all that they are doing to keep us safe.

I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and to show your support for these brave men and women.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

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