OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012

Date: June 1, 2011
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: National Security Transportation

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Mr. DENT. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 2017, the Homeland Security appropriations bill for fiscal year 2012. As we all know, we are closing in on the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, and this week marks one month since the death of Osama bin Laden. Communities across the country, particularly in Alabama, as ably represented by the chairman of this subcommittee, and Missouri, are reeling from some of the most devastating storms and tornadoes in their history.

I am pleased that the Homeland Security funding bill is the first of the FY12 appropriations bills to be considered on the floor this afternoon. H.R. 2017, this legislation, tackles both fiscal discipline and national security, both of critical importance to the American public.

With regard to fiscal responsibility, H.R. 2017 provides $40.6 billion in discretionary funding, or almost $3 billion, or 7 percent, below the request, and $1.1 billion, or 3 percent, below the fiscal year 2011 level.

As for our national security, all of our front line personnel, including Border Patrol agents, CBP officers, ICE agents, and Coast Guard military personnel are fully funded to sustain their forces and meet mission objectives. Obviously, we wish we could do more in this legislation, but I think this is a very important start that should move this process forward.

Furthermore, this bill, 2017, does not shy away from oversight to ensure the Federal Government is a good steward of the American public's tax dollars. For instance, the Transportation Security Administration, TSA, will be required to cap their full-time screeners and generate a plan to improve the integration of screening technology and the deployment of its existing workforce. Having served on the authorizing committee for 6 years, I very much appreciate this initiative and have paid very close attention to these TSA issues over the years.

I do believe this bill we are considering today is timely and specifically targets our Nation's security needs. I know that we are going to have a robust debate on some of these amendments that can further enhance this legislation.

Finally, I want to thank Chairman Aderholt for his hard work and his leadership, as well as the minority staff.

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