Congressman Cole Votes for Additional Funding for First Responders

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Cole today voted for the 2005 Homeland Security funding package. This plan will provide first responders with the tools they need to protect the nation's citizens, borders and communications systems. H.R. 4567 passed in the House by 400-5.

"The passage of this bill comes in the wake of renewed warnings from the Bush Administration about terrorist threats and the foiling of a plot to blow up a shopping mall in Columbus, Ohio," Congressman Cole said. "This bill provides our firefighters and police officers with the best resources, the best technology and the best equipment so they can do their jobs effectively and efficiently. We must give our everyday heroes everything they need to protect our local communities."

Highlights of the plan include:

• Supporting State and Local First Responders. $4.1 billion for the Office of Domestic Preparedness, Firefighters, and Emergency Management.
• Protecting our Nation's Borders. $9.6 billion to fund border protection and related activities - an increase of $630 million over last year's levels.
• Enhancing Transportation Security. $5.7 billion for the Transportation Safety Administration, to fund both aviation and non-aviation security.
• Protecting the Nation's Critical Infrastructure. $855 million to protect the nation's critical infrastructure such as bridges, ports, roads, and financial markets.

The Senate must now pass H.R. 4567 before it can go to the President to be signed into law.

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