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Democrats push Bush for more security fundingAnother $5 billion sought
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- Senate Democrats called on President Bush Thursday to join their efforts to increase what they both now agree to be inadequate funding to protect against terrorist attacks on American soil. The Democrats, who have long sought more funds, announced plans to introduce a bill seeking an additional $5 billion this fiscal year for police officers, firefighters and other so-called first responders, and asked Bush to help them get the measure through the Republican-led Congress. "Incredibly, the president is now blaming others for the budget he himself insisted on," said Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle of South Dakota, flanked by fellow Democrats. "It's time for him to take the next step and admit that his administration is responsible for the failure to adequately fund homeland security," Daschle declared at a news conference. A White House spokesman responded that Bush's "highest priority is the protection of the American people" and will work with Congress on new funding. The aide also noted Bush got lawmakers last year to create the Department of Homeland Security. The agency was first proposed by Democrats. As Bush marches toward an anticipated war with Iraq, Democrats have stepped up their complaints that he has not done enough to protect the United States. And the president's own complaints in recent weeks that domestic security has been shortchanged will bolster their drive to get more money. While Bush initially praised a giant 2003 federal spending bill approved by Congress this month, he has since said it did not contain enough money for first responders. When he signed the measure February 20, Bush said Congress failed to provide what he had requested for state and local law enforcement and emergency personnel. "The shortfall for homeland security first responder programs is more than $2.2 billion," he said. "Funds that should have been made available to the Department of Homeland Security are being diverted to programs unrelated to higher priority terrorism preparedness and prevention efforts." In a speech this week to the National Governors Association, where state leaders complained they do not have enough anti-terrorism money, Bush again said he was disappointed with the spending package passed by Congress. But Democrats noted Thursday that the White House had led the fight against their efforts this year to include an additional $5 billion for homeland defense to a broader package, and called on Bush to help them get it now. Last year, the White House refused to spend hundreds of millions of dollars in homeland security funds that Congress included in anti-terrorism bill, citing budget woes. Copyright 2003 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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