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09.24.2003
U.S. Senate and House Passed FY 2004 Homeland Security Department Appropriations
Highlights of FY 2004 Homeland Security Appropriations Conference Agreement
 
The conference agreement provides $29.4 billion for operations and activities of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in fiscal year 2004, an increase of $535.8 million (1.8 percent) above the fiscal year 2003 enacted levels, and $1 billion (3.7 percent) above the President’s request. 

The conference agreement recognizes that, while the Department of Homeland Security has the lead in developing our national homeland security strategy, implementing the strategy requires the active participation of State and local governments and the private sector. It also recognizes that many of the agencies that merged into DHS on March 1, 2003, have traditional missions that must continue in concert with the newly established priorities for homeland security. The bill strikes a balance between these missions, and supports partnerships with State and local governments and the private sector as we seek ways to protect our country from future terrorist attacks.  
 
Supporting State and Local First Responders

The bill provides $4.2 billion for the Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP), firefighters, and emergency management; this is $541 million above the amounts proposed by the President.  Since September 11th, 2001, and  including grants funded outside the jurisdiction of the Homeland Security Subcommittee, this brings total support of first responders to $20.5 billion.  Specifically, the bill includes:

  • $1.7 billion for ODP basic formula grants;
  • $500 million for State and local law enforcement terrorism prevention grants;
  • $725 million for high-threat, high-density urban areas;
  • $750 million for firefighter grants;
  • $180 million for Emergency Management Performance Grants;
  • $60 million for Urban Search and Rescue;
  • $50 million for the Metropolitan Medical Response System;
  • $60 million for competitive training grants;
  • $135 million for the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium; and
  • $80 million for technical assistance, and national exercises.
Protecting our Nation’s Borders

The bill provides $9 billion for border protection and related activities, an increase of $400 million over fiscal year 2003 enacted levels (excluding Liberty Shield Coast Guard port security operations).  This includes $2 billion for U.S. Coast Guard homeland security activities.  Specific initiatives and efforts for border security include: 
  • $125 million for TSA port security grants, bringing the total to $513 million since September 11th;
  • $125 million for inspection technologies and operations for vehicles and cargo;
  • $61.7 million for the Container Security Initiative;
  • $14.1 million for the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism;
  • $215.6 million for Air and Marine Interdiction for border and airspace security, including $40.6 million for a new Northern Border Air Wing; and
  • $668 million for the U.S. Coast Guard’s “Deepwater” capital acquisition program.
Enhancing Transportation Security
 
The bill includes $5.2 billion for TSA and the Federal Air Marshal Program, $405 million above the amounts requested by the President (including port security grants), providing funding for both aviation and non-aviation security:
  • $1.8 billion for passenger screening;
  • $1.3 billion for baggage screening efforts, including $250 million to install in-line explosive detection systems, and $150 million to procure additional systems;
  • $85 million for air cargo security;
  • $10 million for intercity bus security;
  • $22 million for trucking security;
  • $7 million for hazardous materials security; and
  • $17 million for Operation Safe Commerce.
Using Science and Technology to Protect our Nation
 
The bill includes $918 million for Science and Technology, $115 million above amounts requested by the President.  Funds are targeted to research, development, and deployment of innovative technologies, including those proposed by universities, national laboratories, not-for-profit organizations, and private companies:
  • $455 million to develop radiological, nuclear, chemical, biological, and high explosives countermeasures;
  • $88 million to initiate construction of the National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center;
  • $75 million for rapid development and prototyping of homeland security technologies; $60 million for research, development, and testing of antimissile devices for commercial aircraft;
  • $40 million to deploy sensors to detect aerosolized bio-threats in large metropolitan areas; and
  • $70 million for university-based centers of excellence.
Protecting the Nation’s Critical Infrastructure
 
The bill includes $839 million for protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure and key assets, an increase of $10 million above amounts requested by the President.
  • $81 million for intelligence and warnings to develop timely, integrated, and accurate assessments of terrorist threats;
  • $570 million for reducing the nation’s vulnerability to physical and cyber attacks, minimizing damage, and assisting in recovery from terrorist acts; and
  • $188 million for management and administration and outreach activities with federal, State, and local governments, and with the private sector which owns and operates 85 percent of the nation’s infrastructure.
Supporting Traditional Missions such as Immigration, Disaster Mitigation and Relief, Drug Interdiction, Law Enforcement, Maritime Safety and Security, and Trade
  • $811 million to modernize border, customs, and immigration information technology, including $330 million for the US VISIT program and $318 million for the Automated Commercial Environment;
  • $2.6 billion for traditional Coast Guard operating activities, including maritime safety, drug interdiction, and fisheries, environmental, and humanitarian missions;
  • $1.14 billion for the U.S. Secret Service;
  • $1.8 billion for Disaster Relief;
  • $21 million to enforce laws related to forced child labor, intellectual property rights, and textile transshipment;
  • $7 million to support investigations related to missing and exploited children; and
  • $236 million for immigration services.
Other Provisions
  • Includes bill language regarding air cargo security screening and inspections;
  • Includes bill language prohibiting the use of funds to deploy or implement CAPPSII until the General Accounting Office completes a report evaluating the system;
  • $5.6 billion over 10 years to encourage commercial development and production of medical countermeasures against bioterrorism (Bioshield), $890 million of which is available in fiscal year 2004; and
  • Transfers the Federal Air Marshals to the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement from the Transportation Security Administration, as recommended by the Administration

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