[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 86 (Monday, June 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                               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.

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