Congress is close to approving a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spending bill which provides $32 billion in discretionary spending for DHS in fiscal year 2007, $1.8 billion above 2006 levels, and $1.1 billion above the President’s request, according to a report released in Zalud’s Blog (http://blog.securitymag.com) and from INPUT.
The recommendations in the bill reflect a balance among programs and operations, but it also includes demands for results including a number of initiatives designed to compel DHS to develop strategies and milestones for maximum performance. INPUT anticipates that the Senate will begin deliberations over the funding in mid-July. The President’s budget put a strong emphasis on two areas: borders/immigration security and nuclear detection resulting in reduced funding for first responders, port security and legacy agencies such as the Secret Service.
