DNC on Ports: "President Bush just doesn't get it . . ."

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DNC: Bush Administration Cutting Corners on Port Security

2/22/2006 12:05:00 PM

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=61335

WASHINGTON, Feb. 22 /U.S. Newswire/

"President Bush just doesn't get it. In the post 9/11 world, the President should know we can not afford to cut corners and bypass the checks built into the law that was created to protect our national security," said Democratic National Committee Communications Director Karen Finney. "Bush's stubborn 'trust us' policy threatens to weaken America and leave our ports vulnerable to terrorism. America can do better than a national security policy that does not address the threats of today and tomorrow."


Democrats Take Lead on Port Security, Says DNC

Democrats Fought to Protect Our Borders From Terrorists. Democrats fought to invest $284 million to help ensure the security of the nation's borders by hiring 550 additional border patrol agents and 200 additional immigration investigators. The 9-11 Commission highlighted that the United States lacked a true border security system, and that illegal entry across our borders was far too easy.

-- But Republicans Defeated It On A Party Line Vote. Every single Democrat voted for this bill, but Republicans rejected this proposal on a party line vote, 225 to 201. (HR 1268, Vote No. 160, 5/5/05; R 2-225; D 198-0; I 1-0)

Rep. Jane Harman (D-Calif.) Introduced Port Security Legislation. H.R. 1731 provides Federal Grants to support Area Maritime Transportation Security Plans and to address vulnerabilities in port areas identified in approved vulnerability assessments or by the Secretary of Homeland Security. (HR 1731, 4/20/05)

Rep. Bennie Thomson and Rep. Loretta Sanchez Urged Improvements In Inspection Process For International Cargo Entering the United States. In response to a GAO report that underscored the need for major reforms to the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program (C-TPAT), Rep. Bennie Thomson (D-Miss.) called on the Department to shore up its security gap. Prior to the Report, Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D- Calif.) introduced an amendment that would have strengthened the validation process of C-TPAT. (Press Release from Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), 5/26/05)

full release: http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=61335