Hayworth Pushes for $20 Billion in Border Security Funding

Homeland Security bill to help secure border, fund disaster assistance WASHINGTON Congressman J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ) announced that nearly $20 billion in federal money has been designated for border enforcement and illegal immigration related security challenges. The funding is part of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, which passed the House of Representatives overwhelmingly Tuesday night. Congressman Hayworth commented: The American people have made it abundantly clear that they want enforcement of the border to be our top priority. This is a step in the right direction, but we must understand that it is only the first step. This bill puts more ˜boots on the ground in our battle against illegal immigration by funding $3.98 billion for the Secure Border Initiative and more than $6 billion for more Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. The bill also emphasizes port security, increased cargo screening, and disaster preparedness based on the lessons of Hurricane Katrina. H.R. 5441, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007, will provide the following: * $4.185 billion for port, container, and cargo security. * $19.6 billion for border protection, immigration enforcement, and related activities, including $3.98 billion for the Secure Border Initiative and more than $6 billion to add new Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. * $3.3 billion for first responders, including grants to high threat areas, firefighters, and emergency management. * $6.5 billion for the Preparedness Directorate and FEMA to prepare for and respond to disasters or terrorist attacks. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.