[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 97 (Friday, June 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1398]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2004

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 2003

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, with great 
disappointment I was unable to be present on Tuesday, June 24 to speak 
and vote in favor of H.R. 2555, the Homeland Security Appropriations 
Act for Fiscal Year 2004.
  The terrorist attacks on and following September 11 highlighted our 
vulnerability to attack on our soil, and exposed a new enemy with a 
desire to harm the United States and the American people. Our swift 
efforts at bolstering our domestic security have resulted in the 
prevention of further domestic incidents. It is this absence of 
occurrences that confirms our success. We cannot, however, become 
complacent in this success and must remain committed to securing our 
homeland.
  Our Nation continually faces new and previously unfamiliar domestic 
threats that are more severe than ever before. Local governments cannot 
be expected to bear the new financial burdens that accompany their 
extensive and important new detection, prevention, and emergency 
management responsibilities. Funding must come from the Federal 
Government in this matter of national security.
  When I was a Florida State Senator I chaired the Senate Homeland 
Security Committee following September 11. Florida was the state that 
initiated the drive to secure federal funds for first responders. 
Because we had to deal with so many natural disasters, we know the many 
benefits of well-trained, well-equipped first responders. Local 
governments cannot be expected to bear the new financial burdens that 
accompany their extensive and important new responsibilities. Funding 
must come from the Federal Government in this matter of national 
security.
  I applaud Chairman Rogers, Chairman Young, and the entire 
Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security for their excellent 
work in producing the first ever Homeland Security Appropriations bill. 
I am so pleased that my colleagues in Congress share my concern for the 
priority that is Homeland Security, and that consequently, the 
Appropriations Act passed 425-2.

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