Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2005

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2005 -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 21, 2004)

SPEECH OF HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2004

The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 4567) making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, and for other purposes:

Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, yesterday's CONGRESSIONAL RECORD reflects my vote as "Nay" on Rollcall Vote 266, Representative SWEENEY's amendment to Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2005. I would like to state for the Record that my vote should have been "Yea."

Representative SWEENEY's amendment would increase funding to Urban Area Security Initiative, which provides discretionary grants to high-threat, high-density urban areas, providing that program with $1.45 billion. This initiative will significantly enhance the ability of urban areas to prevent, deter, and recover from threats and incidents of terrorism. This program is essential for urban cities like Sacramento, California to address its unique security challenges as a large urban area. Right now funds previously directed from this initiative are being used to protect high-risk critical infrastructure facilities and to promote comprehensive regional coordination and planning. I strongly support this amendment that will increase the ability for urban areas to protect against the potential threats they face.