FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Contact: Margaret Wicker McPhillips |
June 13 , 2007 | (202)224-6414 |
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee approved its FY 2008 spending bill today. The legislation recommends approval of $36.4 billion in discretionary spending for the Department of Homeland Security. Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) serves as the top Republican on the subcommittee.
“Mississippians understand the importance of securing our nation against both manmade and natural threats,” Senator Cochran said. “The legislation approved by the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee today would fund many programs that directly impact the safety of Mississippi’s citizens and bolster our nation’s border enforcement practices.”
Details on funding for Mississippi and border security are listed below.
Mississippi-Specific Highlights:
Science and Technology
· $35 million to continue the Southeast Regional Research Initiative (SERRI), which funds university-sponsored research and development for national disaster preparedness
· $11 million for the National Bio and Agrodefense Facility (NBAF), to continue site development and environmental impact studies for the counter-terrorism research facility
National Center for Critical Information Processing and Storage
· $97.3 million for the National Center for Critical Infrastructure Processing and Storage (NCCIPS), which seeks to consolidate and safely store information critical to the operations of the federal government
Transportation Security Administration
· Up to $75 million of the President’s request designated for the purchase and installation of next-generation explosive detection systems (EDS) for use in the nation’s small- and medium-sized airports
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Homeland Security Grant programs
· $16 million to continue the Highway Watch program
Coast Guard Deepwater
· $165.7 million to fully fund the President’s request for the National Security Cutter (NSC), the flagship vessel of the United States Coast Guard
First Responder Grants and Assistance including
Immigration and Border Security Highlights:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection – A total of $8,841,477,000 is recommended ($58,185,000 more than the request) for securing the Nation’s borders, including:
Immigration and Customs Enforcement – A total of $4,432,893,000 ($264,893,000 more than the request) is recommended for investigating and enforcing immigration and customs laws, including:
The bill was approved by voice vote and will be considered by the full Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday.
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