[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 101 (Tuesday, July 23, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7218-S7221]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
A TRUE COMMITMENT TO HOMELAND SECURITY
Mr. BYRD. Madam President, the Senate will soon have before it the
fiscal year 2002 supplemental appropriations conference report. This
legislation provides for the defense of this Nation, both at home and
abroad.
Specifically, the bill provides $14.4 billion for the Department of
Defense. It allocates $5.5 billion to New York to complete the promise
made to provide $20 billion to help recover from the terrorist attacks
on September 11. Another $1 billion is for Pell grants, $417 million
for veterans' medical care, $400 million for election reform grants,
and $2.1 billion for foreign affairs.
The bill also provides $205 million for Amtrak. Amtrak is an integral
piece of the Nation's transportation network. For many rural
communities, Amtrak represents the only public transportation
connection to the rest of the Nation. But without the funding contained
in this bill, that connection is in danger of being severed. Because of
growing financial pressures, Amtrak needs an infusion of funding soon
or else it faces bankruptcy. The $205 million included in this
supplemental appropriations bill will stave off bankruptcy and give the
passenger railroad, which is under new management, time to craft sound
plans for the future.
Most importantly, this bill provides $6.7 billion for homeland
security, including $3.85 billion for the Transportation Security
Administration. That is why this funding bill is so important. This
funding will take steps now--without delay--to plug the holes in our
Nation's defenses here at home. Congress has not hesitated when it
comes to funding homeland security efforts. In two supplemental bills--
the one approved shortly after the attacks and the one before the
Senate today--Congress has invested $15 billion to protect Americans
from another terrorist attack and to better respond should, God forbid,
another attack occur.
The funding initiatives shaped by Congress have helped to hire more
border patrol agents, increase the scrutiny of cargo shipments at our
seaports, and accelerate the purchase of vaccines against smallpox. We
have funded critical training and equipment purchases for local police,
fire, and medical personnel. We have helped to train doctors and local
health departments to detect and treat a biological or chemical weapons
attack.
The money allocated in December has helped to hire more than 2,200
INS border agents and Customs inspectors on the northern and southern
borders. The INS is now implementing a system for tracking foreign
students in this country--a system funded in the first supplemental
bill. The Nation's police, fire and medical personnel are getting
better training and equipment for detecting and responding to potential
biological, chemical or nuclear attacks. The FBI is hiring hundreds of
new agents. 750 more food inspectors and investigators are being hired.
The number of ports with Food and Drug Administration investigators is
being doubled. 324 additional protective personnel are being hired to
protect our
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nuclear weapons complex, and additional resources are being spent on
efforts to destroy or secure nuclear materials overseas.
The legislation that will soon be before the Senate today will
accomplish even more. It will accelerate the purchase of bomb-detecting
machines at airports and provide much-needed resources at the local
level. The funding will strengthen port and border security; tighten
protections at our nuclear facilities; and better ensure the safety of
food and drinking water supplies.
The legislation provides $701 million for first responder programs,
$343 million above the President's request. This conference report,
which will be voted on tomorrow morning, includes $150 million for
firefighters, with the funds going directly to the local fire
departments. In the spring, when the firefighter grants that Congress
allocated in the $40 billion supplemental where made available, more
than 18,000 fire departments across the country applied for assistance
totaling more than $3 billion. Yet only $360 million was available to
meet the demand. The administration did not request any additional
funding for this program. However, the need is clear. Our first
responders want to be prepared to respond to attack; Congress and the
President need to provide the necessary resources so those first
responders will be ready.
And in this supplemental bill, State and local governments will
receive $100 million to improve interoperability of communications
equipment for fire, police, and emergency medical technicians. The
inability of local police and dire departments to communicate with each
other when responding to the World Trade Center attack has been
identified as a major Achilles' heel in a defense of our homeland. The
funding in this legislation will help to eliminate that inability and
to develop uniform standards for interoperable State and local law
enforcement, firefighting and emergency medical communications
equipment. The administration requested no funding for this important
need.
Another $54 million, $22 million above the President's request, will
strengthen the Federal Emergency Management Agency's search and rescue
teams. Currently, there are 28 FEMA search and rescue teams around the
country that can be deployed to major disasters to assist local first
responders in search and rescue operations. This funding will be used
to upgrade equipment and training for responding to events involving a
biological, chemical, radiation or nuclear attack.
One of the major weaknesses in our homeland security is the virtually
non-existent protections at the Nation's ports. Cargo containers are
piled up by the thousands at ports, depots, and huge outdoor
warehouses. American ports are home to oil refiners, chemical plants,
and nuclear facilities. A hijacked vessel that crashes into a port
could be used to ignite volatile fuels or gases and produce an
explosion that equals one caused by hundreds, maybe thousands of tons
of dynamite. American ports receive 16,000 cargo containers per day and
6 million containers each year, but less than five percent of those
containers are inspected. That means a terrorist has at least a 95
percent chance of sneaking weapons of mass destruction into the United
States. That is not acceptable.
Congress, through this supplemental legislation, provides $739
million for port security programs, $465 million above the President's
request. This conference report includes $125 million for port security
grants through the Transportation Security Administration. Last fall,
Congress approved $93 million of unrequested funds for port security
grants. DOT received $692 million of applications for the $93 million
we provided. The administration did not request additional funding for
this purpose.
Another $528 million in this bill is for the Coast Guard for port and
maritime security, $273 million above the President's request.
Increased funds would be used to expedite vulnerability assessments at
our Nation's ports, rather than follow the administration's slower plan
to do the assessments over the next 5 years. The money would add two
new maritime safety and security teams; purchase a total of 6 homeland
security response boats; and expand aviation assets as well as the
shore facilities to support them. Another $39 million would help the
Customs Service to target and inspect suspect shipping containers
at overseas ports before they reach American ports. The administration
requested no funds for these activities.
Another major concern is the security of the Nation's nuclear
facilities. The U.S. Department of Energy needs funds for this effort,
but the Office of Management and Budget chose not to forward the
Department's request to Congress. This legislation recognizes the need,
heeds the warnings, and provides $235 million to improve security of
the nuclear weapons stockpile, national nuclear labs, and nuclear
weapons plants. Funds are included to establish a ``911'' system for
local first responders to call when confronted with nuclear hazards,
enhanced funding for the National Center for Combating Terrorism,
expansion of radiological search teams, and establishment of a National
Capital Area Response Team at Andrews Air Force Base.
Just a few weeks ago, the White House warned of a possible terrorist
attack on the Nation's banking system. It was a vague threat, but the
potential for a terrorist organization to use computers and technology
to short-circuit our financial system is clear. That is why this
conference report includes $147 million--$128 million above the
administration's request--for cyber security to help deal with the
threat to Federal and private information systems.
Our long and porous land borders represent a daunting challenge in
terms of homeland security. The Immigration and Naturalization Service
and the Customs Service are already hiring more than 2,200 agents and
inspectors with the funding Congress allocated in December. This
legislation on which we will vote tomorrow, takes the next step,
providing $120 million for border security, including $32 million for
Immigration and Naturalization Service construction to improve
facilities on our Nation's borders and $25 million for better
equipment.
When it comes to security at the Nation's airports, no one should
doubt Congress' commitment. I note that, earlier today, the U.S.
Secretary of Transportation testified at a hearing and charged that
Congress is hamstringing his new Transportation Security
Administration. Secretary Mineta has complained about a lack of
flexibility in Congressional funding. Before the Transportation
Secretary takes shots at Congress, I wish he would consider the facts.
I hope that he will. This legislation provides $3.85 billion for the
Transportation's Security Administration. The conference report
provides $471 million for unrequested airport security efforts,
including $150 million to ensure that all small and medium airports
have funds to implement the FAA's new airport security guidelines and
that large airports have some additional funding to meet those
requirements. $225 million is provided above the President's request
for explosives detection equipment and $42 million is provided to
improve the security of the FAA air traffic control system. In light of
the recent tragedies at the Los Angeles International Airport, when a
man walked to an airline ticket counter and started shooting, Congress
provides $17 million to improve airport terminal security. In addition,
$15 million is provided for improved air to ground communications for
the air marshals. If there is a problem on a plane, the security
personnel on the ground need to know about it.
The Transportation Secretary has charged that less flexibility
translates into less security at our airports. Well, last fall, when
Congress approved the $40 billion emergency supplemental, we gave the
administration flexibility. The President had the authority to allocate
$20 billion and he gave $1.3 billion to the Transportation Security
Administration. But did that flexibility lead to efficient government?
Not necessarily. The Transportation Secretary, while pointing a finger
at Congress, ignores the fact that his hand-picked Under Secretary of
Transportation Security promptly spent $418,000 to refurbish his
personal office in what I am told is a beautiful mahogany. That must be
one of the most stunning offices in the entire Department of
Transportation. I would suggest that the Secretary's finger pointing be
flexible, and that he turn his finger to his own department. Try that,
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Mr. Secretary. He cannot in good conscience charge Congress with the
inefficient operations of the Transportation Security Administration
when is own personnel have wasted money and opportunity, missed their
own internal deadlines for improving airport security, and failed to
provide adequate budget information to Congress. Instead of looking for
someone to blame for failures, the Transportation Secretary should be
working internally to fashion a much more efficient and responsive
Transportation Security Administration.
Another area of focus for this Congress is nuclear non-proliferation.
We have heard a great deal of discussion about the potential for a
``dirty bomb''--a small nuclear device no larger than a briefcase that,
if exploded, can contaminate a broad area with radiation for many
years. The best way to stop a dirty bomb is to minimize the opportunity
for terrorists to get their hands on nuclear material. This
supplemental bill includes $100 million to protect fissile material
abroad, purchase radiation detectors, and establish international
standards for securing fissile material.
The Department of Defense will receive, through this legislation,
$14.4 billion for its activities around the world. There can be no
doubt as to the commitment of Congress to the men and women in the
Armed Forces. We will always ensure that they have the resources and
equipment necessary to fulfill their mission to protect American
interests throughout the world.
However, the Secretary of Defense, in the Administration's
supplemental request, asked for authorities that are currently invested
in other Cabinet secretaries and in the Congress. The Defense Secretary
asked for the authority to spend $100 million in foreign countries as
he sees fit. Congress said no. The Defense Secretary asked for the
authority to pay bounties for the death of those he deems to be
terrorists. Congress said no. The Defense Secretary asked for the
authority to spend $30 million to indigenous groups around the world
who arguably are assisting in the war on terrorism. Congress said no.
The Framers of the Constitution crafted a delicate balance between
the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the Federal
Government. These new authorities for the Secretary of Defense would
jeopardize that balance. Congress should not give this Secretary--or
any other Secretary--extraordinary authority for the sole purpose of
making the Secretary's job easier.
If the President signs this bill, he will have 30 days to decide
whether to designate over $5.1 billion as an emergency. If he does not
make the emergency designations, the funds cannot be spent. Within the
$5.1 billion, there is nearly $2.5 billion for homeland security. If
the President does not make the emergency designation, he will block
nearly $2.5 billion in homeland security investments, many of which I
have just outlined. Firefighters. Police officers. Port security.
Border security. Airport security. Search and rescue teams. Food
safety. Drinking water safety. All these and more are involved. I hope
that the President will join with Congress in this bipartisan approach
to homeland security. I hope that he will declare these items to be an
emergency, and make these important investments immediately to protect
the American people from terrorist attacks.
In addition, if the President decides not to make the emergency
designation, he also will block funding for the National Guard and
Reserves. He will block funding for election reform. He will block
funding for combating AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria overseas. He will
block flood prevention and mitigation; embassy security; aid to Israel
and disaster assistance to Palestinians; wildfire suppression;
emergency highway repairs; and veterans health care.
These critical appropriations for the American people have been
delayed for months, sometimes as a result of administration
intervention. The time has come for its speedy passage and the
President's signature.
The Senate Appropriations Committee held 5 days of hearings on this
bill and benefited greatly by hearing testimony from our Nation's
first-responders, terrorism experts, mayors, Governors and Cabinet
officials--from seven departments and from the Director of FEMA. We
have produced a fair and balanced bill that fills many of the gaps in
our homeland defense that were identified in our hearings.
I want to thank, once again, my friend and the Ranking Member of the
Appropriations Committee, the Senior Senator from Alaska, Senator Ted
Stevens, for his cooperation, for his leadership along the way in the
conduct of the hearings, the markup of the bill, in the debate on the
floor. I also want to thank our House counterparts, Appropriations
Committee Chairman C.W. ``Bill'' Young and Ranking Member David Obey
for their cooperation and commitment to completing action on the
legislation. I would be recreant if I did not thank the staffs who have
worked so hard to finish this bill. On the Republican side, I thank
Steve Cortese and Andy Givens and all of the professional and
subcommittee staffs. On the Democratic side, I thank the Committee
Staff Director, Terry Sauvain, my Deputy Staff Director Charles
Kieffer, Edie Stanley, and Nancy Olkewicz, and all of the professional
and subcommittee staffs for their long, long, long hours and days and
weekends. Their tireless efforts have resulted in legislation, this
legislation that we will vote on tomorrow, legislation that will help
to protect American lives.
Mr. President, I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Nevada.
Mr. REID. Madam President, before the President pro tempore of the
Senate leaves the floor, I would like to say on behalf of the people of
Nevada and the country how much we appreciate the work he did on
homeland security.
Knowing the Congress has gone to the effort--and the Senator from
West Virginia held hearings and called in Cabinet members to find out
what was needed by each entity--and then the disappointment was, as far
as I am concerned, when we got the supplemental request from the
President, these matters were not found.
I say to the Senator from West Virginia, based on information
obtained about how this should be obtained, by having congressional
oversight hearings to determine what was needed, and then move forward
together so people in West Virginia, Washington, and around the rest of
the country are going to receive as a result of the action that will be
taken by the Senate tomorrow, I hope there are no games played.
When the bill goes to the President, I hope he doesn't play around
and try to send us a message about vetoing the bill.
This is so important for the country. We would not have this
legislation but for the Senator from West Virginia. Of course, I have
to include Senator Stevens, who was very deliberate and sat through
those hearings, as did the Senator from West Virginia. This is a
bipartisan bill. A large chunk of it is based on the needs of this
country for homeland security.
Mr. BYRD. Madam President, I thank the very distinguished Democratic
whip for his observations.
Senator Reid is a member of the Appropriations Committee in the
Senate. So he partook of the action on this bill all along the way. He
was present in the hearings that this Appropriations Committee held
early in the year on this bill. I believe it was April.
This bill is not the first occasion in which the Senate
Appropriations Committee has taken the lead in acting to strengthen our
homeland security. This committee led the way last year.
The Appropriations Committee in the Senate appropriated $4 billion
above the President's request last year. Of course, I know we are
accused of spending money, but that is the money we are spending for
the security of the American people for their homeland, their homes,
their schools, their churches, and their children. That is the money we
are spending. Last year we exceeded the President's request for
homeland security by $4 billion. That was done in a bipartisan fashion.
It wasn't done just by Democrats on the committee. But the Republican
members of that committee joined all the way. The President threatened
last year to veto that bill.
Does the Senator remember that? The President said last year he would
veto that bill because it contained $4 billion more than he requested
last year.
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This year that bill came to the floor with the solid support of the
Republicans and Democrats on that committee. It was unanimously
supported. It increased the homeland security part above the
President's request by $3 billion.
As we have gone through the process--it was a long, dragged-out
effort when it came to working with the other body on the conference.
We finally had to yield and come down from the $3 billion to $1.4
billion in additional money over the President's request for homeland
security.
Again, all the way, I am proud to say, we have a bipartisan group in
that committee that walks step by step and shoulder to shoulder to my
colleague, Senator Stevens, and I. We don't have any quarrels. We don't
have any differences. We don't have any partisan discussions. We don't
have any partisan bickering, nor do the members on the committee.
The distinguished Senator from Utah, Mr. Bennett, is a member of that
committee. I served with his father. I believe his father sat right
here. I believe his father sat right there in that chair when the son,
in whom his father was well pleased, was around these premises and knew
a great deal about the Congress and worked in the Congress. He worked
in his precincts.
We don't have any middle aisle in our committee. It was a joint
effort on the part of Republicans and Democrats in close ranks and
voting to support moneys for the security of the American people. These
are moneys that are in this conference report.
When it comes to homeland defense, this Appropriations Committee has
been right out front. I am very proud of the way we have been able to
do our work and work together. It has been a long time since this
committee started on this bill. I guess the budget was sent up here
last February. It has been all that long time.
Here we are in July with the conference report that we will be voting
on tomorrow morning.
I thank the distinguished Senator.
I yield the floor.
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