Rep. Bright Supports Homeland Security Appropriations Act

WASHINGTON, DC -- Congressman Bobby Bright supported the Conference Report on the Homeland Security Appropriations Act today. H.R. 2892 funds the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2010, which includes the Border Patrol, FEMA, air and port security agencies, and grants for first responders. The bipartisan bill passed by a bi-partisan 307-114 margin. Upon Senate passage, the bill goes to the President to be signed into law.

Additionally, the bill contains prohibitions on releasing prisoners detained at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Specifically, it would prevent current detainees from being released or transferred into the continental United States. It would also prevent prisoner transfers to other countries unless the President submits a detailed risk assessment to Congress 15 days before such a transfer. It also mandates that detainees be added to the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) No Fly list.

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“The Homeland Security Appropriations Act funds top border security initiatives and efforts to keep American citizens safe and secure,” Bright said. “I am also pleased that we are taking action to prevent Guantanamo detainees from ending up in the mainland United States. Nothing is more important than keeping the country and American citizens safe from threats both foreign and domestic, and this bill does that.”

The Homeland Security Appropriations Act eliminates 12 programs and cuts funding for another 37 programs and is nearly $300 million below the President’s budget request. Specific provisions of the bill include:

· Increases funding for border protection by $86 million, bringing the total funding for the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol to over $10 billion. This includes funding over 20,000 Border Patrol agents, southwest border infrastructure and technology, and anti-drug initiatives.

· Extends E-verify, the program used by employers to ensure their employees are legal workers, for three years.

· Provides additional funding for first responders, including state Homeland Security grants, SAFER grants for hiring and training local fire fighters, Firefighter Assistance Grants for equipment, and interoperable communications for first responders to use during an emergency.

· Appropriates approximately $900 million to FEMA to maintain its commitment to respond to natural disasters.

Additionally, Congressman Bright was able to secure funding in the bill for the Northington Rd. drainage project in Prattville. The city will receive $500,000 to go towards the project, which will allow for the reconstruction of the existing drainage system by replacing inadequately sized drain pipes. The project, which is a top priority for Prattville, will help alleviate flooding on Northington Rd. and surrounding areas and provide for a safer thoroughfare for area residents.

“As I have met with Mayor Byard and Prattville City Council Members, the Northington Rd. drainage project has always been near the top of their priority list,” Bright said. “I am pleased that Homeland Security Appropriations Act includes my request for funding this important project for the Prattville area, and I will continue to help our local communities secure valuable federal resources.”

Source: Congressman Bobby Bright