[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 24 (Thursday, February 8, 2007)]
[House]
[Page H1349]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1015
BUSH BUDGET SHORTCHANGES HOMELAND SECURITY PROGRAMS--PARTICULARLY FIRST 
                               RESPONDERS

  (Mr. WILSON of Ohio asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. WILSON of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, President Bush sent 
Congress a budget for 2008 for the fiscal year that continues the 
misguided priorities of this administration. Last November, the 
American people rejected the status quo, saying that we can do better. 
It is time for a change, it is a time for a change in direction.
  Unfortunately, the President's budget is more of the same. His budget 
for the Department of Homeland Security is only 1 percent more than it 
was in 2007. This is a modest increase for a department that is charged 
with such a critical mission and has yet to meet the goals of 
protecting our country.
  Particularly disappointing is the President's request for programs to 
support first responders. The President has reduced the preparedness 
and training by 33 percent. The firefighters' grants would be reduced 
by 55 percent. State and local law enforcement grants would also 
undergo cuts, depriving our communities of critical support when they 
need it most after 9/11.
  Mr. Speaker, House Democrats are serious about ensuring that our 
local police departments and our firefighters have the equipment they 
need to better protect our communities. The President's budget must be 
rejected.

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