Senate Committee Approves Homeland Security Appropriations Bill

The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved and forwarded to the full Senate the FY 2004 appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security. The $28.5 billion measure includes $8.2 billion for border protection and enforcement, $5.4 billion for the Transportation Security Administration, and $6.8 billion for the U.S. Coast Guard. It specifically earmarks $12.1 million for the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT), $61.8-million for the Container Security Initiative (CSI), $119.3 million for non-intrusive inspection equipment, $150 million for port security grants, $30 million for Operation Safe Commerce, $60 million for cargo security screening, and $76 million for USCG Maritime Safety and Security Teams (MSSTs). Source: HK Law