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Conference Report On H.R. 5441, Department Of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007

Date: Sept. 29, 2006
Location: Washington, DC


CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 5441, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2007 -- (House of Representatives - September 29, 2006)

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Mr. SWEENEY. Mr. Speaker, I have been on this committee since its inception 4 years ago. It is probably my most challenging duty here in Congress. It is one of my greatest honors, and I have to tell you, every year this appropriation measure is probably the steepest climb that we have because we know now that the threats we face, the challenges we face are enormous, and any arbitrary amount of money can't bring us to a place of perfection.

I want to salute the chairman for his great work. This is probably one of the best bills that you have been able to produce, Chairman, and they have all been pretty darn good, and so I really appreciate your leadership.

To Mr. Sabo, I wish you well. You have had a great career. It has been an honor, especially in these past 4 years, to serve with you and watch your leadership.

What I would like both of you to know is that our staffs here are some of the unsung heroes and I think the real patriots. They do incredible work. They listen, they study, and then they enact, and they enable us to do some of the good things we are doing here, and they have enabled us to make this Nation more secure.

The American people need to know this committee has served respectfully and greatly in a bipartisan fashion. For example, since 9/11, we have been able to provide almost $40 billion for first responders. In this report is an example: $662 million for the assistance of firefighter grant programs, $7 million more than the 2006 number was and $370 million more than what the President asked for.

We also found that balance by finding minimal security levels throughout the Nation that are satisfactory and, as well, made sure we had targeted money, $770 million, for the Urban Area Security Initiative. We do substantial work on ports, $4.34 billion; and $21 billion on the borders.

Mr. Chairman, I think you have really identified what those priorities are, and we have balanced them very well.

Finally, on WHTI, I just want to say that I think we have worked out a flexible compromise that will allow us to provide security and maintain our economic interests.

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