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Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Border Security Plan Funding Detailed
The president officially submitted his request for funds for his border security plan to Congress last week. The $1.9 billion is to be included the emergency supplemental spending bill currently being negotiated in Congress. To further complicate an already-antagonistic negotiating process, Bush continues to threaten to veto the bill should it exceed $94.5 - a spending limit imposed by Bush before this $1.9 billion shopping spree.
The funds are to be spent by the National Guard and the Department of Homeland Security (in millions):
National Guard: $756
Department of Homeland Security (allocated as follows): $1,172
- 1,000 new Border Patrol agents
| $330 |
- Increased physical security
| $325 |
- More Air support
| $95 |
- New facilities and equipment
| $80 |
- Detention beds
| $80 |
- Detention staff
| $100 |
- Increased removal and transportation
| $97 |
- Assisting state and local efforts
| $65 |
To keep the total below the veto-enforced limit, Congress is mulling its options as to which other funds should be cut. The White House's request, however, is accompanied by proposed offsets. CongressDaily reports (subscription required) that the plan calls for cuts in military spending including forgoing purchases of "armored vehicles, heavy trucks, radios, generators, replacements for downed helicopters and armor kits for soldiers."
Posted by Craig Jennings
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