WASHINGTON   -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today announced agreement on the FY2004 Homeland Security Appropriations bill.  By a vote of 417-8, the House of Representatives approved the conference report on the legislation in one of the final steps before it becomes law.

 

The bill, the first formal appropriation for the Department of Homeland Security, includes funding for first responders, transportation security, and border protections that will enhance security in Missouri as well as nationwide.

 

“I’m honored to be a member of the subcommittee to produce the first bill to fund our mission on homeland security.  This bill prioritizes our first responders with over $3.3 billion in funds for grants from the Office of Domestic Preparedness, and it targets security improvements in rural communities with measures to protect infrastructure and provide disaster relief,” Emerson said.  “In the wake of September 11th, border and airspace security are great concerns.  The funding in this measure will aid law enforcement at all levels of government in meeting today’s challenges of homeland defense.”

 

Emerson championed two components of the bill: a formal process to add local governments in rural areas to state homeland security plans and a new program to secure bus travel.

 

“In rural America, partnerships with state and local governments are central to our mission.  This bill requires a report from the Department of Homeland Security on how it intends to fully incorporate rural municipal governments into overall plans for state preparedness.  We should not leave any Americans out of our preparations.

 

“In addition, a $10 million program for bus security is included to implement passenger screening, bus tracking, and enhanced communications systems on our nation’s roads.  In Missouri, our over-the-road buses would begin getting new technology to increase safety for travelers.”

 

The U.S. Senate must also pass the bill before it advances to the White House for President Bush’s signature.