Highlights of President Bush's FY 2007 Budget Request for DHS (Including CBP)
On February 6, 2006, President Bush transmitted to Congress his fiscal year (FY) 2007 budget. (FY 2007 is from October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007.)
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President Bush has requested $42.7 billion for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), an increase of 6% over FY 2006. The President's FY 2007 budget request for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) represents an increase of $702.31 million (9.83%) over FY 2006.
Highlights of President's Budget Proposal for CBP
According to a CBP fact sheet, the following are highlights of the President's budget for CBP:
Container Security Initiative. The President proposes $139 million for the Container Security Initiative (CSI) to pre-screen inbound cargo for weapons of mass destruction and other dangerous or illegal material importation. CBP notes that 50 CSI ports will be operational by the end of 2006.
Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism. The budget proposes $55 million for Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) to review and improve the security of partner organizations through the cargo supply-chain.
National Targeting Center. The budget proposes $6.8 million for expansion of the National Targeting Center (NTC), in support of around-the-clock operations providing tactical targeting and analytical research support. Increases in staffing will enable the NTC to conduct timely research and targeting and maintaining liaisons with other agencies involved in anti-terrorism efforts.
Automation modernization. The budget proposes $302.5 million for the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) and $16 million in International Trade Data System (ITDS) funding. The budget also proposes $142.7 million for critical operations protection and processing support to efficiently and effectively share information and images among trade and law enforcement agencies.
Fraudulent document analysis unit. The budget proposes $1.2 million to support additional staff in the Fraudulent Document Analysis Unit, which facilitates identification and interception of fraudulent, counterfeit, altered, or improperly-presented documents.
Weapons of Mass Destruction detection staffing. The budget proposes $12 million for additional staffing at seaports to support the deployment of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) detection systems deployed through the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office's WMD procurement department.
Air and marine operations. The budget proposes $337.7 million for operations and maintenance of CBP's air and marine infrastructure to identify, deter, interdict, and investigate acts of terrorism and smuggling arising from unlawful movement of people and goods into and out of the U.S.
Secure Border Initiative. The budget proposes an additional $458.9 million for 1,500 border patrol agents and associated costs, directly supporting the strategic goal to increase and extend control of the borders between the ports of entry. In addition, the budget proposes $100 million to expand purchases of critically needed border technology infrastructure between U.S. ports of entry.
Highlights of the President's Budget Proposal for DHS
Aviation security. The budget proposes $4.7 billion to support aviation security efforts. Of that amount, $692 million is requested to support the deployment and maintenance of explosive detection and electronic trace detection systems, which provide a higher probability to detect a wide range of explosives.
Cargo Advanced Automated Radiography Systems. The budget includes a request for $30.3 million to fund the cargo advanced automated radiography systems (CAARS) development initiative. The Domestic Nuclear Detection Office will execute a program developing advanced active-imaging radiography systems for cargo inspection at the nation's ports of entry. The CAARS program will significantly improve imaging systems designed to identify concealed nuclear materials. It will eliminate the need for operator interpretation of radiographic images, and reduce overall inspection time of five minutes to approximately 30 seconds.
Port security. The budget request includes more than $2 billion for port security across DHS, primarily for Coast Guard port security activities such as Maritime Safety and Security Teams and harbor patrols. In addition, ports are among the infrastructure assets protected through DHS Target Infrastructure Protection (TIP) grants. Overall the proposed budget seeks $2.7 billion for the Coast Guard's homeland security programs.
Radiation portal monitor acquisition. The budget proposes $157 million for the Radiation Portal Monitor acquisition initiative to secure next generation passive detection portals for deployment at ports of entry to expose nuclear explosive devices, fissile material, or radiological material concealed in cargo or conveyances.
Office of Policy, Planning, and International Affairs. The budget proposes an increase of $8.1 million to the Office of Policy, Planning and International Affairs to provide funding to support the development of the Secure Border Initiative policy office; establish the Committee on Foreign Owned Investments in the U.S., expand duties of the International Affairs Office, and enhance capabilities of the Homeland Security Advisory Committee to work with private sector stakeholders.
Chemical security office. The budget proposes an increase of $10 million to establish the Chemical Security Office, which will conduct outreach with the chemical industry on potential or enacted regulations, rulemakings, and related items, as well as review and verification of initial facility consequence screening and vulnerability assessments.
Worksite enforcement. The budget proposes $41.7 million for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to strengthen worksite enforcement. A more robust worksite enforcement program will send a strong deterrence message to employers who knowingly hire illegal workers, reduce economic incentive for illegal immigration, and help restore the integrity of employment laws.
CBP press release on budget (dated 02/07/08) available at www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/fact_sheets/bush_2007_budget.xml.
DHS fact sheet on budget (posted 02/06/06) available at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=5388.
State Department's Washington File article (dated 02/06/06) available at