WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today voted to pass the FY 2005 Homeland Security Appropriations bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.  The legislation, which contains $32 billion to fund the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, passed by a margin of 400-5.

 

“We have a continuing responsibility to fund the defense of our nation.  The events of the past year, including the recent terrorist threat against a shopping mall in Ohio, underscore the fact that we have to guard against terrorism in every region and in every state,” Emerson said.  “I am pleased that this bill contains some funds for fire departments and first responders, which greatly benefit preparedness in rural America.”

 

Included in the legislation are $4.1 billion for the Office of Domestic Preparedness, $9.6 billion for border protection and related activities, and $5.7 billion for the Transportation Safety Administration to fund both aviation and non-aviation security.

 

“We not only have to be prepared to prevent a terrorist attack, we must also be prepared to respond if one occurs.  I will continue to fight for funding in this bill to secure our transportation infrastructure, our inland ports, and our small communities as this legislation moves forward,” Emerson said.

 

The Homeland Security Appropriations bill, once passed by the Senate, will proceed to a conference between the two houses of Congress where any differences in the two versions will be resolved.