Wednesday
Feb242010
Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano Defends Department's Budget Cuts
Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 2:12PM
By Monique Cala University of New Mexico/ Talk Radio News Service
Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano defended the Department's FY2011 Budget Request Wednesday, after members of the Senate Homeland Security Committee expressed concern for decreases in what they called ‘key’ areas.
Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), who chairs the committee, questioned the decision to decrease funds allocated for cyber security.
“This budget cuts the spending on cyber security by 5 percent. Key information systems in the private and public sectors are penetrated everyday in our defenses against computer attacks and data theft,” said Lieberman.
“Cyber space is of key concern. The reduction noted is attributable to many things,” Napolitano responded. “One, is that there were one time expanses that we had last year that we do not need to duplicate in 2011.”
Cuts made to the U.S. Coast Guard also came under close scrutiny. Sen. Susan Collins in particular asked U.S. ports would remain safe in light of Guard's $75 million budget reduction.
“Our nation's top intelligence officials recently testified before Congress that it is “certain” that al Qaeda is planning to attempt another attack against the United States within the next six months,” explained Collins.
Collins went on to voice concern with the request for $200 million to provide security in large metropolitan areas in the United States that host trials for suspected terrorists now held at Guatanamo Bay.
“These terrorists could be tried on military bases before military tribunals, without incurring this unnecessary expense and security risk,” said Collins.
Napolitano responded that regardless of where the suspected terrorists are tried, in military or civilian courts, the expense for security will still be close to $200 million.
A full break down of the budget can be found at the DHS web site.
Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano defended the Department's FY2011 Budget Request Wednesday, after members of the Senate Homeland Security Committee expressed concern for decreases in what they called ‘key’ areas.
Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), who chairs the committee, questioned the decision to decrease funds allocated for cyber security.
“This budget cuts the spending on cyber security by 5 percent. Key information systems in the private and public sectors are penetrated everyday in our defenses against computer attacks and data theft,” said Lieberman.
“Cyber space is of key concern. The reduction noted is attributable to many things,” Napolitano responded. “One, is that there were one time expanses that we had last year that we do not need to duplicate in 2011.”
Cuts made to the U.S. Coast Guard also came under close scrutiny. Sen. Susan Collins in particular asked U.S. ports would remain safe in light of Guard's $75 million budget reduction.
“Our nation's top intelligence officials recently testified before Congress that it is “certain” that al Qaeda is planning to attempt another attack against the United States within the next six months,” explained Collins.
Collins went on to voice concern with the request for $200 million to provide security in large metropolitan areas in the United States that host trials for suspected terrorists now held at Guatanamo Bay.
“These terrorists could be tried on military bases before military tribunals, without incurring this unnecessary expense and security risk,” said Collins.
Napolitano responded that regardless of where the suspected terrorists are tried, in military or civilian courts, the expense for security will still be close to $200 million.
A full break down of the budget can be found at the DHS web site.
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