[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 99 (Tuesday, June 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1341]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND VETERANS AFFAIRS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2008

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. MICHAEL D. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 15, 2007

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2642) making 
     appropriations for military construction, the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year 
     ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes:

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to H.R. 2638, the 
Fiscal Year 2008 Homeland Security Appropriations Act.
  The tragic terrorist attacks of 2001, and the destruction resulting 
from Hurricane Katrina in 2005, made clear that we must improve our 
nation's ability to prepare for and respond to disasters. In the days 
and weeks following these events, the United States Congress acted 
quickly to provide our Nation's first-responders with the resources and 
equipment they need to ensure our security.
  The bill before us today provides critical resources for vital 
national security requirements, including increased border patrol 
agents, port security improvements, and grants for America's 
firefighters. Still, although continued funding for such important 
programs is essential, it is obvious that increased spending alone 
cannot solve every problem.
  Since its creation in 2002, the Department of Homeland Security has 
at times suffered from wasteful spending decisions and business 
management shortcomings. Unfortunately, this legislation fails to 
correct many of these deficiencies--and instead would boost funding 
levels well above what experts at the Department have requested.
  In 2004, the 9/11 Commission also characterized the federal focus on 
aviation security following the 2001 terrorist attacks as ``fighting 
the last war,'' and noted that ``opportunities to do harm are as great, 
or greater, in maritime or surface transportation.'' In the wake of 
attacks on subway trains in London and on passenger rail lines in 
Madrid and Mumbai, it is clear that terrorist organizations are intent 
on disrupting surface transportation systems and mass transit around 
the world. Despite the 
9/11 Commission's warning, the legislation before us today continues to 
provide billions for aviation security, while failing to prioritize 
rail and transit spending.
  Mr. Chairman, it is our duty to make certain that we have an 
effective national security system, capable of ensuring the safety of 
all Americans. I am concerned that H.R. 2638 fails to adequately 
achieve this goal and I look forward to working with my colleagues to 
improve this bill as we move forward with the legislative process.