Congressman Thompson: President Fails To Fund First Responders, Priorities Misplaced

Congressman Thompson: President Fails To Fund First Responders, Priorities Misplaced
Tuesday, February 08, 2005

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) released the following statement in response to the President's Fiscal year 2006 budget proposal:

"When it comes to protecting America, the President's budget will not get the job done. President Bush's budget fails in three areas critical to protecting the homeland:

"The President fails to protect passenger planes from the threat of terrorist attack. Today, cargo that goes under our seats on commercial aircraft is not screened for explosives. The Bush budget proposes no new funds to close this security gap.

"The President fails to provide the equipment necessary to make sure that America is safe from nuclear terrorism. The budget is nearly $100 million short of what is needed to screen for weapons of mass destruction at our ports and borders.

"The President fails to protect the brave men and women who are the first to respond to a terrorist attack. The budget cuts programs for police, firefighters, and paramedics by more than 10%, or $240 million. The President does not even dedicate grant funds to ensure these heroes have the communications tools necessary to talk to one another at a disaster site.

"It is clear that President Bush's attention is on the other side of the world, not here at home. The budget is full of misplaced priorities. It only places America at risk."

Congressman Bennie G. Thompson is the Ranking Democrat on the House Committee on Homeland Security.

http://benniethompson.house.gov/HoR/MS02/News/Press+Releases/2005/02-08-05+President+Fails+To+Fund+First+Responders.htm