Press Release
CONGRESSMAN HENRY CUELLAR JOINS MAJORITY IN PASSING HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS BILL
Washington,
June 12, 2007
Today, Rep. Henry Cuellar joined his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives in passing the Homeland Security Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2008. The bill appropriates $37.4 billion and includes important provisions dealing with border security procedures and projects. “I was proud to vote for this bill today. I applaud my colleagues and Chairman David Price on passing this effective piece of legislation,” said Cuellar. Key components of the bill include: • Border Security. The bill appropriates $8.8 billion for Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which will support the hiring of 3,000 additional border patrol agents, resulting in a total of 17,819 by the end of FY 2008. • Firefighter Assistance Grants. The bill provides $570 million for grants to firefighters, which is $23 million above FY 2007 and $270 million above the President’s request. • SAFER Grants. The bill provides $230 million for Staffing for the Staffing Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program, which helps fund hiring and training of additional firefighters. This is an increase of $115 million above FY 2007. • Improved Benefits for CBP Officers. The measure requires CBP to offer its officers “law enforcement officer” status under the retirement system, making them eligible for more generous benefits and provides $50 million for this transition. • Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The measure directly appropriates a net $4.2 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE will also be required to obtain monthly updates from the nation’s correctional facilities on the number of incarcerated immigrants who are subject to deportation. “This piece of legislation will increase border security and help keep our citizens safe. My constituents’ safety and securing our borders in an efficient matter are important issues to me,” said Cuellar. |