“This bill is critically important to New York City, which is terrorist target number one.   Congress has a responsibility to help protect our families and our communities,” said Maloney. “I am proud to support legislation that gives first responders the tools and resources they need to do their job, and strengthens security at our nation’s seaports, airports, and borders.”

The 2008 Homeland Security Appropriations bill:

I. Rejects the President’s proposed $1 billion cut for training and equipment for first responders and instead expands support for local law enforcement   personnel, firefighters, and other first responders.
II. Invests in port security by significantly increasing funding to protect critical port facilities and infrastructure.
III. Improves aviation security by providing funding for new explosive detection systems at airports and funding to double the amount of cargo screened on passenger aircraft.
IV. Includes funding for 3,000 additional Border Patrol agents, bringing the number of Border Patrol agents to 17,819.

The legislation approved by the House today also includes strong oversight provisions to ensure the careful spending of taxpayers' dollars by the Department of Homeland Security and eliminates wasteful no-bid contracts.

“The American people expect their dollars to be spent on important efforts to secure our nation, not wasted on no-bid contracts,” added Maloney.  “The Democratic Congress has insisted on tough new accountability measures to ensure we protect our communities and spend taxpayers' dollars the right way.”

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