Democrats Blast GOP for Underfunding Homeland Security Program

A BUZZFLASH NEWS ALERT

House Democrats blasted the Bush Administration today for not fully funding checked baggage screening for passenger airplanes. A non-partisan report developed by the government and private experts concluded that at least $435 million is necessary to purchase and maintain Explosive Detection Systems, but Republicans are proposing only about $150 million in funding. "That won't even get us to the 5 yard line," said House Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Bennie Thompson.

"Without adequate capital investment," the report found, "screener staffing levels would have to increase significantly to maintain 100% electronic screening." However, this will not be possible because Republicans have already placed a cap on the number of airport screeners.

"Today's report is a stinging critique of the Bush Administration and Republicans in Congress, who have failed to close security gaps that could enable terrorists to slip by an airport checkpoint with bombs designed to bring down passenger planes," Rep. Ed Markey said. "Republicans are nickel-and-diming homeland security while writing a blank check for the War in Iraq."

The 9/11 Commission identified the threat posed by explosives in checked luggage and directed the government to "expedite the installation of advanced (in-line) baggage-screening equipment." In its final report card, the Commission gave screening capabilities a "D."

"It's past time that the administration and the Republican Congress provide the funding necessary for bomb-detecting equipment at every airport in the country," agreed Rep. Peter DeFazio.

A BUZZFLASH NEWS ALERT